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Katich hails T20 experience
09:45, Oct 24 2009
New South Wales Blues captain Simon Katich believes the Champions League Twenty20 opened a new chapter in international cricket and felt the experience it provided for young cricketers was invaluable.
The Australian side's big-match experience came to the fore as they defeated Trinidad & Tobago by 41 runs in the final in Hyderabad. NSW, who had lost to T&T in a second-round match earlier in the tournament, easily defended a relatively small total of 159, beating the West Indians convincingly in the end.
"A lot of our young guys have had the chance to play on a world stage and show what they are capable of," said Katich, whose side pocketed the winner's cheque of 2.5million US dollars. "All the teams who came here have had the opportunity to basically play at an international level."
He added: "It's invaluable for our young guys, some of them are under 20 and are playing in front of 30,000 people.
"This will hold them in good stead when they play international cricket down the track. It's been a brilliant experience."
NSW, sent in to take first strike, were almost of the verge of collapse when Brett Lee rescued the innings with an excellent 48. Steven Smith chipped in with 33, the only other worthwhile contribution.
Lee, who was named man of the match and man of the tournament, then gave his side a great start with the new ball, picking up two early wickets, while Steven Smith also claimed two scalps as T&T were bowled out for 118 in reply.
Katich said: "This is a very proud moment for us. Congratulations to T&T, they have been magnificent competitors in this tournament and they have shown everyone what they are capable of.
"The NSW guys turned in a superb effort, they never gave up. Brett Lee and Steven Smith were fantastic getting us to that total and we were happy with that.
"We know there have been some high scores on this wicket but in a final we know what can happen under pressure. With our bowling line-up we knew if we created enough opportunities we would prevail and the guys did a magnificent job in the field to back them up."
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