Century Champions League Shines in Brisbane and Mackay

CricConnect Stories | August 07, 2025

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been watching closely, and with great admiration, as the Century Champions League brought together some of the best emerging cricket talent from around Australia for two standout tournaments.

First up was The NextXI U23 tournament in Brisbane, where young players seized their opportunity to compete, impress, and put their names forward as future stars. The final saw the Comets deliver a dominant performance, bowling out the Marlins for 102 in 18.3 overs. Rehaan Shyamsundar was the standout, taking 4/16 in a brilliant spell. The Comets chased down the target with ease, thanks to Bailey Abela (25 not out) and captain Harhas Singh (45 not out) leading from the front to secure a 2-wicket win in just 16.3 overs.

Then came the headline Senior tournament in Mackay, held at the stunning Great Barrier Reef Arena. The final was between the Pirates and the marlin franchises. The Pirates posted 7/140, with captain Sam Heazlett top-scoring with 54 off 43 balls. But it was the Marlins who stole the show in the chase, led by a sensational 72 not out off 34 balls from Brandon Faber, powering them to victory with 8.3 overs to spare.

Former Australian leg spinner Bryce McGain interviews the Marlins man of the match in the final Brandon Faber

Co-owner Adam Crosthwaite summed it up perfectly:

“Century Mackay was a huge success. Eight outstanding teams, elite production streamed on Kayo and FanCode, and some of the best uncontracted talent in the country. We had scouts from Australian and overseas franchises in attendance, and we discovered future stars. This is what the future of Australian cricket looks like.”

Century Champions League is proving that when hope, opportunity, and quality competition come together, something truly exciting happens. With a festival atmosphere, first class venues, and a bold format, Century Champions League is quickly becoming the competition young players aspire to be part of.

And this is just the beginning.

Clip from the Captains Circle on BeaconPoint Cricket with Paul Ryan - setting the field for left arm swing bowlers