It took just 146 deliveries for Thailand to beat China, bowling them out as they did for 17 in 19.4 overs before knocking off the runs for no loss. In that time we saw the lessons of development written plain for anyone to see.

It wasn't long ago that Thailand themselves were being beaten by more established nations at this level by the same margin. Since then, however, and we can date Thailand's transformation to about 2004 when cricket was taken out of Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. Local players were introduced to the game, leagues were created, coaches became proficient, and grounds were built.

Thailand now have a team that can play and wear their national shirt with honour.

In China, the game is just three years old and the game just starting to spread across that vast landmass. China's coach Rashid Khan and Level I coach Ping Ping have only just identified Zhejiang province in the east of the country as a good source of talent, thanks to two schools there taking up cricket of their own accord.

"Four boys who were softball players immediately looked to me to have ability", says Rashid Khan. "Unfortunately not many U-15 players of previous years could play in this team because of school commitments so we brought a very new team here," he says, "some of them only have twenty days cricket."

	Man of the Match Jai Bhagwat

New they are, beaten they were, winners they could be. If, that is, China follow the carefully structured path that has given Thailand success.

Thailand v China, at AIT Bangkok
THAILAND WON BY 10 WICKETS
China won the toss and chose to bat
China: 17 for 8 of 19.4 overs (innings declared due to player injury; J. Bhagwat 5-2)
Thailand: 18 for 0 off 4.4 overs
Man of the Match: Jai Bhagwat (Thailand)
Scorecard

Filed November 19 2008