Competition: Cricket Switzerland National League CSNL
Draw: CSNL 2024 – Round 1
Date & Time: 23rd June 2024 | 0900 hrs (CET)
Venue: Hunenberg, Zug
Result: Zurich Lions won by 7 wickets
On a cloudy Sunday morning with a damp outfield, CVZ openers began their innings cautiously, fully aware of the formidable ZLCC bowling line-up. Omid and Kanishk exploited the overcast conditions effectively, generating significant swing and maintaining a decent pace. Omid struck early, claiming Harsh's wicket in his first over. CVZ batsmen found it challenging to free their arms, frequently playing and missing due to the prodigious swing and disciplined line and length of the ZLCC opening bowlers. Pritesh attempted to stabilize the innings, but a mix-up led to his run-out by Sheraz's excellent direct hit from mid-wicket, leaving CVZ at 16/2.

Ankush Hasani joined the fray and immediately launched a counter-attack, scoring a brisk 19(17) before being dismissed at sweeper cover, reducing CVZ to 41/3 in 11.2 overs. Osama and Mayur continued to pressurize the CVZ batsmen, while Omid and Kanishk kept bowling in tandem and picking up wickets at regular intervals. Ranjith, the CVZ captain, showed some aggression by hitting a four and a six before falling to Kanishk. Vaibhav, the opener, played a resolute innings, holding one end before being dismissed by Mayur. Ultimately, the CVZ innings never gained momentum due to the disciplined bowling and impressive fielding, including some spectacular catches, by ZLCC. As a result, CVZ were bundled out for a mere 69 in 21.5 overs.
Omid (7-1-19-3) and Kanishk (8-2-31-3) were the standout bowlers, each claiming three wickets. Osama, Mayur and Ashwin contributed with a wicket apiece, rounding off a dominant bowling performance for ZLCC. Ankush Hasani (19) and Ranjith(12) were the top performers for CVZ batting line up.
Knowing they had a small target and eager to secure bonus points by finishing early, ZLCC opened their batting with Ashwin and Akash. Akash showed some aggression, hitting two boundaries before getting out with the score at 17/1 in 2.1 overs. Seshu was promoted to No. 3 and joined Ashwin at the crease. Displaying sheer class, Seshu played sensible shots all around the ground and took his time to settle, anchoring the innings.

Ashwin was dismissed for 11 while attempting to accelerate, and Mayank followed shortly after, leaving the score at 53/3 in 5.3 overs. Senthil then joined Seshu. Seshu played some delightful strokes, including four boundaries and a six, to remain unbeaten on 34 off 21 balls.* Senthil, who contributed 9* off 10 balls, including two boundaries. ZLCC finished the game in 8.3 overs securing a comfortable victory.
Seshu was the top performer for ZLCC, scoring an unbeaten 31, while Pallav was the standout bowler for CVZ, picking up 2 wickets. Omid was once again outstanding with the new ball, claiming 3 wickets and rightfully adjudged as the Man of the Match.
Demonstrating superior skill and strategy, the Lions dominated the match from start to finish, setting a strong tone for the rest of the matches.
by
Senthil on behalf of Zurich Lions