The Zurich Lions displayed firm determination in their SEASON 2024 opener against the formidable Olten Cricket Club. Despite intense competition, the Lions emerged winning with ease, displaying their dominance on the field.
Lions Star Performers: Omed and Akash were jointly awarded the Man of the Match
Zurich Lions CC vs Olten CC
Date: 28th April 2024 | Time: 1330 CET
Venue: Hedingen , Zug
Toss: Zurich Lions Cricket Club won the toss and elected to Bat
On a windy, cold day with a thick outfield, the Zurich Lions won the toss and chose to bat first . Ashwin and Captain Kanishk began cautiously before unleashing powerful strokes. While Kanishk favored the square boundaries, Ashwin demonstrated his class by dispatching the ball precisely over straight on the ground. After the power play, Ashwin, scoring 31 runs off 23 deliveries (1x4's, 3x6's), was caught at long off with the team total at 65.
Kanishk then took charge, scoring 44 runs off 29 balls (7x4's, 1x6's) before being caught & bowled. Senthil was sent in to stabilise the innings and managed only 13 runs off 15 balls before departing. Akash, joining at 84-2 in the 10th over, wasted no time in asserting his dominance with remarkable power-hitting prowess. Najeeb joined after Senthil's departure with the score at 122-3 in the 14th over. Akash continued his onslaught, accumulating 53 runs off just 28 deliveries (4x4's, 4x6's) . Najeeb 17(13) (3x4's) also contributed with crucial boundaries before both players fell in the 18th over.
Mayur initiated a late onslaught with 11 runs off 6 balls, while Mayank provided the finishing touches with a brisk 14 off 4 deliveries (3x4’s), instructing momentum to the Lions' bowling unit. The Lions concluded their innings with a commendable total of 193/8 runs in 20 overs. Pradeep emerged as the standout performer among the Olten bowlers, claiming 2 wickets while conceding 20 runs in his 4 overs. He received valuable support from Diyon, Hayatullah, and Jamal, each contributing with a wicket apiece.
Boosted by a formidable total, the Zurich Lions approached their innings with confidence yet remained aware of the powerful batting line-up of the Olten Cricket Club. Yaso and Pradeep emerged with intent to launch an aggressive assault on the Lions' bowlers. However, the Lions' bowling contingent had a different strategy to contain the openers, ensuring they refrained from offering any loose deliveries.
Kanishk and Omed set the tone commendably, with Omed securing a maiden over and the crucial two breakthroughs in the same over, leaving Olten reeling at 4/2 after two overs. Both dismissals were well judged and caught by Seshu at mid-wicket (Pradeep) and point (Roshan). Diyon then joined forces with Yaso in an attempt to stabilize the innings, but Yaso's brisk 24 off 14 deliveries ended when Kanishk caught him at long off the bowling of spinner Ashwin, who introduced very early in the innings during powerplay.
Murali, the Olten captain, entered the fray and swiftly attempted to snatch two runs at sweeper cover. However, Osama's rapid slide and accurate direct hit from the sweeper cover culminated in Murali's dismissal when the score stood at 37-4. Milinda then partnered with Diyon, and their partnership steadily added runs to the scoreboard with odd boundaries. Mayur deceived Diyon with his delivery, resulting in the crucial wicket of the well-set batsman who had scored 19 runs off 25 deliveries & his innings came to an end as he gave a catch to Ashwin at short third man.
The Lions' rotation of bowlers, featuring Ashwin, Mayur, Kanishk, Omed muted Olten's scoring momentum. Omid's stellar bowling display yielded four crucial wickets, while Osama picked 2 wickets without giving any runs & Ashwin, Mayur, and Shiraz also made significant contributions picking 1 wicket each.
The Zurich Lions emerged victorious by a comfortable margin of 44 runs, with Milinda emerging as the standout performer for Olten.
The Lions' comprehensive victory was a result of the entire squad's admirable performance across all departments, marking a resounding start to their campaign.
Big cheers to all!!!
-Senthil on behalf of Zurich Lions Club