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CST20 Elite Division: Zurich Lions lost to Geneva CC by 59 Runs

In a much-anticipated match, the Zurich Lions showed some fight in their bowling but lost their grip in the batting, ultimately losing the game to Geneva on their home ground.

Date: Sunday | 26 May 2024

Time: 1130 hrs (CET)

Venue: Bout du Monde, Geneva

Toss: Geneva CC won the toss and elected to Bat


After traveling to the other end of Switzerland, the Zurich Lions were asked to field first under cloudy skies. Kanishk, the captain, opened the bowling and took a wicket in the first over. Omid joined him and bowled with brilliant pace and swing, making it difficult for the Geneva batsmen to hit boundaries. Despite the early wicket, Idrees and Anser started to build a partnership during the powerplay, reaching 38/1. Idrees punished bad balls with powerful hitting, while Anser supported him well by rotating the strike sensibly.


Zurich Lions rotated their bowlers to restrict the run flow, but Geneva capitalized on loose deliveries, consistently hitting boundaries. The partnership stretched until the 16th over, building 143 runs before Anser was run out 34(35) . Kabir joined at number four and hit 6*6’s and 2*4’s in a short stay 49*(16), elevating the scoring rate. Idrees carried his bat, scoring a brilliant century, 106 (66) balls* , showcasing his power hitting and skill. Geneva CC finished their innings at 205/2 , with ZLCC bowlers pulling back late in the end. It was considered a par score considering the high-scoring nature of the ground.


Omid delivered a standout bowling performance for ZLCC, conceding only 26 runs in his 4 overs on a high-scoring ground.


ZLCC was aware that the achievable score considering the ground dimensions. Kanishk and Mayank started off their innings cautiously. Jamil, with his accurate line and length, struck early in his two overs, dismissing Mayank and Ankush. Senthil joined at 4 and showed positive intent with two boundaries but unfortunately thrown away his wicket to Afif. Kanishk, at the other end, witnessed the early dismissal of the top order, leaving the team struggling at 32/3 after 5 overs. Seshu came in to bat at 5 and began building a much-needed partnership. However, Kanishk attempted a flick shot and was dismissed for 18(21) after facing all the bowlers, leaving the score at 40/4 in 7 Overs. Seshu and Nabi played some impressive shots, increasing the scoring rate as it climbed. However, both Seshu and Najeeb attempted to attack but lost their wickets, seeing their stumps shattered with the score at 75/6 after 12 overs .


Mayur played some delightful shots across the ground with his wristy strokes, providing a ray of hope for ZLCC. Habib, the debutant, supported Mayur well, and together they built a crucial 71-run partnership. Mayur continued to dominate the onslaught, reaching his half-century with 56 (off 29 balls)* , hitting 4*6’s and 5*4’s. Mayur tried his best to reduce the deficit with his powerful strokes, but unfortunately, he was at the non-striker end when Habib lost his wicket and followed by Omid, Osama, and Shiraz getting dismissed in consecutive balls in Massoud's over when the score was 146/6 in 18 overs, leading to ZLCC being all out for 146/10. As lower order batters, there was no intention of giving strike to the settled batsman who was scoring freely at the other end, resulting in ZLCC losing the game by 59 runs.


Mayur was the standout performer with the bat for ZLCC, while Jamal took 3 important wickets and Massoud claimed 5 wickets, including a hat trick , for GCC.


The impatience and rush of blood, along with poor shot selection, were evident in the ZLCC batsmen, leading to them losing their way and failing to gain any momentum in the chase. The loss will provide valuable lessons that should be worked on and applied in the upcoming matches.

After the match, the captain delivered a stern message, asking the team to reflect on their individual performances and prepare & focus for the upcoming must-win games to advance to the next round in the competition.

Senthil on behalf of Zurich Lions

TeamZLCC


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