Switching minds and game play isn’t easy. Having fought very close game in T10 semis against Olten just an overnight ago; now it’s time to Switch to the longest format of the game. Strategy, mindset, game play everything changes and we have to adapt quickly. No time to breathe!!
Fixture: Zurich Lions Cricket Club v Zug Cricket Club
Venue: Bachgraben, Basel
Date: 03 Oct. 2021
Toss: Zurich Lions Cricket Club, ZLCC won the toss and elected to Bowl
Score: Zug Cricket Club: 71/10 (23.3 overs)
Zurich Lions Cricket Club: 75/6 (15.3 overs)
Toss time: Zurich lions CC won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Match begins:
Last time both the team met in the league stage, it was a reduced 20 overs game, which went until last over when lions had to eat humble pie as they lost narrowly. Time to avenge the loss and no better time to do that than in the semifinals.
Windy weather and pitch suppose to assist bowlers Zug started cautiously however exploiting conditions to the best Sonu and Kanishk gave early jolts when Zug 18/2 in 5th over. Then Omi and Mayur wreaked havoc as Zug falter further on 32/5 in 11 overs. Zug thought to build a partnership but they did not realize Lions have lot of weapons in their arsenal. Lions have faith in each one of their players and everytime one new hero rises to the occasion. It was Sarfaraz today. Sam came to bowl and blown away Zug with his fire with military medium pace. He took 3 wickets and finished any chances of comeback for Zug and later Kanishk finished with one; as Zug could only manage 71/10 in 28 overs. Absolute carnage. The ferocity of lion’s bowling could be seen as only one Zug batsman scored in 2 digits.
Lions needed only 72 to win in 40 overs.
Chase began for the one last push for lions to be in finals. Lions also suffered early jolt as Kanishk departed for cheaply. It was 19/1 in 4th over. Ankush joined by Lokesh played flawlessly but there was still something in the pitch to help for Zug bowlers. As they chipped in with another wicket of Lokesh it was 6 overs 31/2. Ankush had by that time judged the pitch and was playing sensibly. He and Sheshu stiched a crucial partnership and when Sheshu got out it was job almost done. 10 overs 61/3. Only needing 10 odd runs, Lions faltered as they lost few quick wickets in succession. However, Sara ensured no more setbacks as he saw off lions over the lines in 16th over 75/6. Lions won by 4 wickets. A statement to make, avenged the loss in the league stage against Zug, Lions storms into the finals. And qualifies for CSPL premier league. A richly deserved promotion.
Overall, quite a professional and clinical win by lions.
A lot of water has flown into Limmat in Zurich since last season, where lions did a lot but did not get desired results last season. A lot of practice, hardwork, fitness and finesse has gone behind the scenes.
A paradigm shift should also be considered in the big league, where teams like us bending towards more technical and mental skills separating us from slog and hit teams.
It feels nice to be in the finals at the biggest stage and the lads will be vary from any kind of complacency.
Time to relax and prepare for the most exciting and sought after weekend in our teams’ history.
Looking forward for the last week of extravaganza and I’m sure we will be placed on the right side where we belong.
One last push for the glory. Upwards and onwards!! Go Lions !!! 🦁
Scoreboard:
Zurich lions won the toss and decided to bowl first win by 6 wickets against Zug CC
Zug cc – 27.3 overs 71 all out (Chamith 28; Sam 3/12, Kanishk 3/14, Mayur 2/12, Omi 1/11, Sonu 1/13)
Zurich Lions CC – 15.3 overs 75/6 (Ankush 32, Sheshu 11, Sara 7* ; Amal 2/5, Jasi 2/20, Nian1/6)
*Sarfaraz was man of match for his unforgettable spell of 3/12.*
I hope you enjoy reading this match report and take care. See you next week.
Ciao
Snehil