May 12, 2025
Mallorca Cricket Club are celebrating after lifting the Balearic Cup for the first time in four years, following a dominant display against arch-rivals Ibiza and hosts Menorca in this year’s fiercely contested three-way tournament.
Held in Menorca, the 2025 edition brought together the best cricketing talent from the islands, with reigning champions Ibiza aiming to defend their crown after narrowly retaining the trophy in 2024. But this year, it was Mallorca who stole the show, with outstanding individual and team performances across all three days.
Day 1: Ibiza get off to a winning start
● Ibiza: 137 all out
● Menorca: 97 all out
Ibiza won by 40 runs
Friday’s opener saw hosts Menorca take on Ibiza in a tense match. Ibiza posted 137 all out in their innings, and despite early promise, Menorca’s batting faltered under pressure. They were bowled out for 97, giving Ibiza a 40-run victory and the early edge in the tournament.
Day 2: Mallorca make a statement
● Ibiza: 119 all out
○ Wes Walker 2-3
○ Gurdit Singh 2-14
○ Pavan Narella 2-18
○ Jonty Pieters 2-24
● Mallorca: 123-3
○ Gurdit Singh 52
Saturday’s showdown between Mallorca and Ibiza lived up to expectations. After Ibiza won the toss and chose to bat, Gurdit Singh struck early to dismiss danger man Antonio Barca for a golden duck, setting the tone for the innings. Mallorca’s bowlers delivered a ruthless team performance, with four players picking up two wickets apiece to bowl Ibiza out for just 119.
In reply, Mallorca chased down the total with confidence, reaching 123-3. Singh’s classy 52 led the way, and club president Ben Vickers sealed the win in style with a towering six into the car park.
Day 3: Mallorca seal the title in style
● Mallorca: 267-8
○ Jonty Pieters 84
○ Ben Vickers 63
○ Pavan Narella (not out)
● Menorca: 196-6
○ Gurdit Singh 3-13
Sunday’s decider saw Mallorca face the hosts Menorca, with the Balearic Cup on the line. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Mallorca built a mammoth total of 267-8, thanks to a composed 84 from Jonty Pieters, a blistering 63 from BenVickers, and a late flourish from Pavan Narella, who smashed the biggest six of the weekend to cap the innings.
Menorca were unable to keep up with the required rate in the chase. Gurdit Singh(3-13) was once again exceptional with the ball, and Menorca’s 196-6 fell well short of the target—handing Mallorca a richly deserved victory and the 2025 Balearic Cup.
A proud moment for cricket in the Balearics
Club captain Wes Walker reflected on a memorable weekend:
"The passion, the energy, and the team spirit were outstanding. Everyone played their part, and it’s brilliant to bring the cup back to Mallorca."
Club president Ben Vickers added:
"This win shows just how much cricket is growing across the Balearics. Mallorca is becoming a real hub for talent and enthusiasm—but we’re still pushing hard to find a permanent home for the club. Wins like this just strengthen our cause."
To follow Mallorca’s 2025 season, visit www.mallorcacricketclub.com.
The men’s team now trains weekly with net sessions at the Son Moix Velodrome in Palma.
New players are welcome—to get involved, email ben@mallorcacricketclub.com.
Credit Chad Hardwood Jones
