Date & Time: 25 June 2023 | 1230 hrs (CET)
Venue: Embrach Cricket Ground
Competition: Cricket Switzerland National League (CSNL) Draw & Round: Cricket Switzerland National League-2023 - Round: 1
Toss: Nomads Embrach Won the Toss and elected to Bat first
Match Info
As the format changes becomes weekly affair, teams get very less time to switch the gears. In another encounter between Zurich Lions CC and Nomads Embrach CC, it was the determined effort from the batters that set up a comfortable chase for the Zurich Lions. The match took place at the Embrach ground on Sunday 25 June 2023; on a bright sunny day, where both teams were locking horns for a win. Although Zurich Lions CC lost their previous CSNL 40 overs game, winning over Pakhtoon Zalmi last weekend in T-20 they had some momentum to go in the match.
In what can only be described as a remarkable display of skill and determination, the batsmen of the Zurich Lions CC pulled off a good chase to overcome a challenging total set by Nomads Embrach in an exhilarating cricket match.
Winning the toss, Nomads Embrach elected to bat first on a flat and sunny pitch. A disciplined and controlled bowling attack from Zurich Lions CC right from the outset continued to kept a check on Nomads Embrach CC. ZLCC bowlers maintained an impeccable line and length, getting wickets on regular interval. At the end of the 20 overs drinks break Nomads Embrach were struggling to get going at 63/5. Soon after the break they were 65/6 and were facing a difficult task to put a good score.
But the 7th wicket partnership for Nomads Embrach took their time and then got their the attacking display, keeping the scoreboard ticking and putting the pressure back on the ZLCC bowlers. Boundaries flowed, and ZLCC were in a bit of spot of bother after having an excellent first 20 overs. The Nomads Embrach batsmen, especially Qasim & Omar with their long hitting prowess, capitalized on every loose ball and converted singles into twos, keeping the run rate soaring. They had 149 runs partnership which eventually helped Nomads Embrach post a challenging total of 220/10 in 35.1 overs. Kanishk & Senthil were pick of the bowlers picking 2 wickets each.
Facing a formidable task, ZLCC batters took to the crease with a mixture of hope and trepidation. The opening pair of Ankush & Kanishk approached the chase with caution, knowing the enormity of the task ahead. They built a steady partnership, focusing on rotating the strike. After losing Kanishk early, Nic & Ankush tried to steady the ship but when Ankush got out Lions were 42/2 in 7 overs. It demanded a lot of grit and determination from now the pair of Nic & Senthil. But they continued the team's sensible approach, seamlessly rotating the strike and frustrating the opposition bowlers. They displayed remarkable composure, meticulously selecting shots that suited the situation and avoiding any unnecessary risks.
They treaded with caution at first but when their eyes got set they put away any lose balls came their way. They displayed remarkable temperament, adapting to the changing conditions and neutralizing the threat posed by the any bowler. They employed a combination of solid defense and calculated aggression, putting the bad balls away while showing great patience against tight lines and lengths.
Both of them combined sublime stroke play with intelligent shot selection, ensuring that they maintained the required run rate. After 20 overs lions were comfortably placed at 110/2. Senthil completed his well made 50*. Nic batted sensibly too. They had 127 runs of partnership before Senthil got out for 76 runs (74 balls, six 4s, four 6s). They handled the chase with poise and made intelligent decisions, ensuring that they never allowed the required run rate to spiral out of control. Their ability to rotate the strike and find gaps in the field kept the scoreboard ticking, ultimately taking them closer to the target.
Nomads had a moment of light when Sara got out but Akash & Nic ensured the run rate is on check. Nic compiled a solid 53 (73 balls, three 4s, one 6) before Lions were 193/5 in 33rd over. As the target came closer, Akash & Mayur brought maturity and experience. Both of them hit flurry of boundaries and eventually Lions won comfortably by 5 wickets with 4 overs in hand. Mayur made 23* (3 4s, one six) & Akash 21* (three 4s).
The match will be put up as a classic 40 over game, showcasing the true spirit of cricket and the indomitable will of the batsmen. It serves as a reminder that any team wins on belief, skill, and determination come together on the field.
We at ZLCC will cherish this victory and prepare for the 2 T-20’s coming next Sunday.
Until then we will keep doing the basics. Thanks for your support and have a nice week ahead.
Ciao
Snehil
TeamZLCC