Nine teams set to compete in Top End’s Cricket 365 2024
Two international outfits, four Big Bash and two State teams will battle it out in the 2024 edition of the Top End T20 Series alongside reigning champs NT Strike.
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Pakistan and Bangladesh will be gracing the Top End as part of the 2024 Top End T20 Series.
Back for their second season, Pakistan’s Shaheens (Pakistan A) will be looking to better their 2023 runners-up finish, while Bangladesh have agreed to send a high-performance squad for the tournament.
Expanded from six to nine teams, an influx of domestic, state and territory sides will also be in contention for the title.
Big Bash powerhouse Perth Scorchers will be joined by the Adelaide Strikers and Sheffield Shield Tasmanian tigers as first time entrants.
Academy sides from both the Melbourne Stars and Renegades will return, along with the ACT Comets and defending champions and hometown heroes, NT Strike.
“We’re thrilled the Top End T20 Series will expand this year and continue to bring the best emerging domestic and international talent to the Northern Territory,” NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey said.
“To have two cricket powerhouses in Pakistan and Bangladesh now participating alongside half of the Big Bash League franchises is a testament to the potential of winter cricket in the Territory.”
Melbourne Stars general manager Blair Crouch expressed his gratitude towards NT Cricket, emphasising the importance of putting young talent to the test on a big stage.
“This tournament plays an important role for us in identifying young talent within the T20 system in Victoria and gives invaluable experience to our contracted players and those in the academy by being able to experience tournament conditions in what is traditionally the middle of their pre-season,” he said.
Pakistan Cricket Board’s director Usman Wahla echoed Crouch’s sentiment, stating the importance of such an experience for up and coming players.
“I am grateful to the Northern Territory for inviting the Pakistan Shaheens for the second successive year,” he said.
“Last year, the players had a memorable experience and enjoyed playing and performing in excellent playing conditions, in front of enthusiastic cricket fans.”
Bangladesh Cricket Board’s high performance unit chairman Naimur Rahman said the opportunity for his nation’s players was an ‘invaluable’ experience.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Northern Territory Cricket and Cricket Australia for inviting the BCB High Performance team to the prestigious Top End Series,” he said.
“This opportunity will undoubtedly provide invaluable experience to our players, exposing them to a high standard of competition.”
Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh will play two four-day matches during late July, closely followed by a 50-over bilateral series between the two and NT Strike.
SCHEDULE
Friday, August 9
6pm: Northern Territory vs. Perth Scorchers | DXC Arena
Saturday, August 10
10am: Melbourne Renegades vs. Melbourne Stars | DXC Arena
3pm: Perth Scorchers vs. Pakistan Shaheens | DXC Arena
6pm: Tasmania vs. Adelaide Strikers | TIO Stadium
Sunday, August 11
10am: Bangladesh HP vs. Melbourne Renegades | Gardens Oval
1pm: Adelaide Strikers vs. Northern Territory | Gerry Wood Oval
3pm: Pakistan Shaheens vs. Melbourne Stars | Gardens Oval
Monday, August 12
10am: Tasmania vs. Northern Territory | TIO Stadium
2pm: Perth Scorchers vs. ACT Comets | DXC Arena
6pm: Tasmania vs. Bangladesh HP | TIO Stadium
Tuesday, August 13
10am: Melbourne Stars vs. Adelaide Strikers | Cazaly’s Arena
1pm: Northern Territory vs. Melbourne Renegades | DXC Arena
3pm: Melbourne Stars vs. ACT Comets | Cazaly’s Arena
6pm: Tasmania vs. Pakistan Shaheens | DXC Arena
Wednesday, August 14
10am: Melbourne Renegades vs. Perth Scorchers | Cazaly’s Arena
1pm: Adelaide Strikers vs. Bangladesh HP | DXC Arena
3pm: Melbourne Renegades vs. Tasmania | Cazaly’s Arena
6pm: Northern Territory vs. Melbourne Stars | DXC Arena
Thursday, August 15
1pm: ACT Comets vs. Bangladesh HP | TIO Stadium
3pm: Perth Scorchers vs. Adelaide Strikers | Gardens Oval
6pm: Melbourne Renegades vs. Pakistan Shaheens | TIO Stadium
Friday, August 16
10am: Tasmania vs. Melbourne Stars | TIO Stadium
2pm: ACT Comets vs. Northern Territory | Gardens Oval
6pm: Pakistan Shaheens vs. Bangladesh HP | TIO Stadium
Saturday, August 17
10am: ACT Comets vs. Adelaide Strikers | DXC Arena
2pm: Bangladesh HP vs. Perth Scorchers | TIO Stadium
6pm: ACT Comets vs. Pakistan Shaheens | DXC Arena
Sunday, August 18
10am: Semi-Final 1 | DXC Arena
10am: Semi-Final 2 | TIO Stadium
4pm: Grand-Final | DXC Arena
Pakistan and IPL coach named to lead NT Strike in title defence
Seasoned veteran and highly experienced coach Simon Helmot will lead NT Strike’s title defence during this years Top End T20 Series.
With a resume that includes Pakistan’s T20 Men’s assistant coach, Sunrisers Hyderabad assistant coach, stints in the Bangladesh, Caribbean and Sri Lankan leagues plus Big Bash and Sheffield Shield, Helmot has been through it all during his 25 years at the top.
And after being in charge of the Northern Tide last year, Helmot is eager to have another crack in the Top End.
“I absolutely loved my time in Darwin last year and can’t wait to get back up and enjoy what are just perfect conditions for cricket,” he said.
“I’m obviously keen to help secure back-to-back titles for the NT Strike, but more so I’m excited to help identify and develop the next crop of Territory talent.
“The NT has produced some very good players and the likes of young Tom Menzies tells me there is more talent coming through.”
NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey called the signing of Helmot a coup, stoked to have someone of Helmot's elk a part of the series.
“We are very fortunate to have someone of Simon’s coaching pedigree invested in helping us elevate the game up here,” Dovey said.
“Beyond an incredible coaching resume, Simon is a great human being who will create a great learning environment and enjoyable few weeks for our best young talent.”
Expressions of interest are now open for players and support staff who would like to be involved in the NT Strike’s 2024 Top End T20 Series.
Third edition of Top End T20 Series slated to be biggest yet
More teams, more matches and more venues are on the cards in what will be the biggest Top End T20 Series to date.
The third edition of the NT winter cricket tournament which showcases the Top End as the only place in the country with cricket all year round, will feature reigning champions NT Strike alongside a number of Big Bash franchises and international teams.
The 10 day, 30 match tournament will kick off on Friday, August 9 and run until Sunday, August 18, with the grand final to be played at DXC Arena.
TIO Stadium, Gardens Oval, Cazaly’s Arena and Gerry Wood Oval are all to host numerous matches.
“Winter cricket is a unique asset that offers the Northern Territory an incredible opportunity in the world’s second most popular sport,” NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey said.
“The substantial growth of the Top End T20 Series in such a short period of time is a testament to the potential.
“Last year we saw the likes of Jake Fraser-McGuirk showcase his talent in the Top End T20 Series and we’re excited to see more next generation talent on display this year.”
Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley echoed Dovey’s sentiment, excited to see the 10 day tournament back for another year.
“We’re thrilled that the T20 Top End Series will return this year giving teams from around the country and the world a fantastic opportunity to come together to play in Darwin’s cricket-friendly winter climate,” he said.
We’re excited by the growth of the T20 Top End Series which brings together top domestic and international talent and thank and congratulate Northern Territory Cricket and all involved for this important contribution to Australian Cricket.”
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