The Queensland Men’s Indigenous cricket team secured a historic victory in Queensland Cricket’s inaugural T20 Harmony Shield, defeating the Multicultural XI by a commanding 115 runs. The match, played as a precursor to the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC), aimed to provide valuable game-based opportunities for both teams, but also as an opportunity to showcase the rich spread of different cultures throughout the game.
The Multicultural XI was composed of players from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Nepal, all of whom competed in Queensland Cricket’s Multinational Challengers Trophy, which was won by Pakistan in December last year. With none of the players having played on the iconic Allan Border Field before, the side elected to bowl first after winning the toss.
The Indigenous openers, Ethan Du Payne and Cruz Baker, cautiously navigated the initial overs before Baker unleashed a stunning display of batting prowess. Baker's explosive innings of 75 runs off 44 balls, including several boundaries, set the stage for the Indigenous team's victory, with Baker eventually retiring with the side on 150 runs. The task didn’t get easier with recent Queensland Bulls debutant, Dylan MacLahlan, coming in at three; however, he was quickly dispatched for 8 by Nepal’s Krishna Gajurel.
Despite the Multicultural XI's spirited efforts, highlighted by captain Bilal Bashir's commendable bowling performance of 1/21, they faced a daunting run chase of 179. Facing a formidable bowling attack, the Multicultural XI struggled to build momentum, and it was a North Queensland Indigenous debutant in Ashley White who would see the Multicultural XI at the end of an early batting collapse. White's impressive debut performance saw him claim four wickets, including two in his very first over, effectively extinguishing any hopes of a comeback for the Multicultural XI.
While the match concluded with a clear victor, both teams demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and skill, highlighting the potential for future growth and collaboration across both the Indigenous and multicultural programs.
Jason Smith, Co-Chair of Queensland Cricket’s First Nations Advisory Committee, was in attendance and spoke about the expansion of the Indigenous talent pathway this year.
“Games like this, as well as the T20 State Indigenous Challenge that we rolled out late last year, are a great way for the players to showcase their skills and get a taste of higher-level cricket to prepare for high honors,” he said.
Multicultural Australia CEO, Christine Castley, was also a guest appearance at the event and provided a glowing endorsement of Queensland Cricket’s efforts in the multicultural space.
“We work with a lot of sports across Australia, but an event like this is quite unique and possibly one of the first of its kind,” she said.
She continued, “It’s truly wonderful to see what it symbolizes, which is the true strength of bringing all the different cultures of Australia together.”
The Harmony Shield not only showcased the talent and diversity within Queensland cricket but also laid a solid foundation for fostering greater unity and inclusivity across the sport. The Queensland Men’s Indigenous team will look to carry this momentum into the NICC, seeking to clinch the coveted title and further cement their status as a formidable force in Australian cricket.