Portugal win ECC Trophy

Portugal registered an impressive nine-wicket victory over hosts, Austria, to win the biennial ECC Trophy, the European Cricket Council's tournament for ICC Affiliate members, at the Seebarn No. 1 ground just outside Vienna on Saturday.

Austria, batting first after winning the toss, made 158 for 9 from their 35 overs, with captain Andrew Simpson-Parker topping the scoring with 43, while Intesab Mehdi (4/21) and Humayun Shahzad (3/36) were the best bowlers for Portugal.

A 126-run first-wicket stand between Portuguese captain Akbar Saiyad and his opening partner Nadeem Butt set the visitors on their way to an easy victory. Saiyad was dismissed for 44, Butt remaining unbeaten on 91 from 92 balls.

Portugal, runners-up in 1999 to hosts, Greece, are delighted with their victory, which rounds off a successful year in which the Portuguese indoor squad won the ECC Indoor Tournament on home soil back in February, and the national governing body gained 'FederaÁ?o' status, qualifying the sport for state funding.

Holders Greece will, no doubt, be disappointed not to finish higher than fifth this year, whilst defeated finalists, Austria, and semi-finalists Belgium and Malta, will all be hugely encouraged by their performances.

Both finalists qualify for the European Championships, to be staged in Ireland in July 2002, where they will compete alongside the nine European ICC Associate Member countries plus an ECB XI.