Under 15s and Seniors Awards Day (25 October)

So grateful to have access to the wonderful ZIS indoor hall in Adliswil for our Awards Day, the players arrived, the cricket equipment quickly set up and we were ready to begin the first of three 14-over matches with the three 7-a-side teams.

With the team sitting-out taking over scoring and umpiring duties, at 10 o’clock we got underway. The bowling of Suleman and Latif for Team B produced wickets, and added to the two run-outs Team A struggled to get a competitive score on the board. Baljit, Max and Latif scored rapidly and ruthlessly exploited anything offering width and short of a good length and soon overtook the necessary total to win.

In the break the 1^st and 2^nd XI players were presented with a season photo and a few personal words for each player by the team captains Nic and Brijesh. In addition, batting clads were given to each player for the new season in 2021, courtesy of a generous sponsor. Thanks were also directed at Stephen for his efficient and tireless work with our finances and so many other issues that a club like ours constantly faces, at Laurence for his work checking the books, Steve and Johan for their frequent willingness to take on the task of scoring matches, and Brijesh and Gokul for looking after and ensuring the smooth running of our successful 2020 project, the 2^nd XI.

In the second match Team A presented a different picture with runs flowing from the bats of Gokul, Nic, Attaullah and Noorkhan despite two rapid run-outs. Team C’s reply stuttered and started and despite Brijesh and some mighty blows by Gianluca and two sublime 6s off the bat of Alex, they fell short.

The second break saw the Under 15 players Danyal, Shankar, Arya and Sasha presented with awards by Michael and Shafi before Baggy Caps were awarded for 1^st XI colours to Baljit, Attaullah, Latif, Lavan and Westy, as well as to Brijesh and Vadim in recognition of their long service and achievements with the club. Finally, the Favotto Cup was deservedly handed over to Shankar, who has had a wonderful season for the club. He is, without doubt, a fine role-model for so many young players, he works hard, has produced excellent performances for his age group and has already become a great asset to the 2^nd XI in the senior league. Congratulations to all those players.

The third and final match saw Team B’s Baljit, Shankar and Aryan, in particular, put together 130 despite some tight bowling by Abdullah and Noorkhan. The reply by batsmen Noorkhan, Abdullah, Danyal and Nic was solid but two wonderfully economical final overs by Khawar and Suleman denied what had looked like certain victory for Team B and what would have meant one win apiece for the three team. Instead they fell just short.

The matches reflected the spirit in which all these players go about their game, and what better way is there to spend a day with one’s club mates than in skilful and good-humoured competition that includes younger members who can only profit from older and more experienced players?

Under 13 Romande Cup (10th/11th October)

The first club event of the season is the Romande Cup, hosted by GRYCC. The U13 event was held at the Bout-du-Monde artificial wicket in Geneva. The tournament was a double round-robin three teams. A combined Zurich Crickets and Cossonay team took the cup against teams from Basel Dragons, Geneva Region Youth and Gingins.

Click on this link for the full report                     Click on this link for the scoresheets

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ZCCC’s 13-year-old Shankar Man of the Match  (9th August)

In the 2^nd XI match vs Zurich Lions CC the bowlers showed that they are rising to the challenge of adult cricket. In addition to Suleman’s 4-26-2, Shankar, Arian, Vadim and Navroz all took a wicket, while Danyal's 2 overs for 14 were as economical as the others. Although catches were dropped, Suleman, Brijesh and Shankar all held on to theirs, while Shankar’s smart and level-headed run out was only topped by Navroz’s direct hit from the boundary to run out a further batsman. The Lions finished on 166 for 8.

ZCCC’s run chased faltered early when opener Gokhul was LBW. Despite Nawroz's (11) and Max’s (19) resistance the runs came slowly on a tough wicket and when they departed, three more wickets fell in quick succession. Shankar (15) and Patrick (17) put together 40 runs at the end but it was unfortunately too little too late and we finished on 96 for 6, losing by 70 runs. Congratulations to the bowlers on some fine spells, Max for some great work behind the stumps and with the bat, and Shankar for an excellent all-round performance. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zurich Crickets 1^st XI into the Quarter-finals (9th August)

Batting first on the new all-weather surface in Uster, which made for difficult conditions, ZCCC batted first against Zurich Lions CC. Ruan (33) and Noorkhan (36) got us off to a positive start despite losing Westy early. However, a flurry of wickets in the 9^th-12^th overs left us 91 for 6. When Dayn departed in the 17^th over, we were really struggling at 118 for 7. However, Doug (28), Latif (17) and Keeran (18) had other ideas. In the space of 3.5 overs they hammered 49 runs to take us to 167. Between them they hit 50 runs in 9 boundaries and a further 13 in ones and twos. The tail had wagged hugely, and massive credit goes to them for making this win possible.!

Zurich Lions’ reply was patient, but the boundaries were proving hard to find. At 50 the first wicket fell when Dayn ran out the opener. The sluice gates opened and ten runs later four wickets had been lost to Doug’s two strikes and an excellent run out by Lavan. Wickets then fell at regular intervals: a third to a caught behind off Doug (4-15-3), another run out with Ruan and Nic, and one each to Abdullah, Noorkhan and Dayn after some great pressure by Ruan (2-5-0). The Lions finished on 133 for 9 and Zurich Crickets had booked their place in the PT20 Quarter-finals. Congratulations to the team and Man of the Match Doug!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1^st and 2^nd XIs suffer heavy defeats (2^nd August)

Batting first against Power Winterthur CC the 1^st XI lost an unexpected wicket when Westy fell first ball. However, Baljit (36) and Noorkhan (35) put together a solid 87 in 11 overs to put us on course for a competitive total. However, apart from Ruan’s rapid 24 the runs dried up and 144 was a below par score as Power Winterthur CC fast proved. The bowlers struggled and within 12 overs the hard-hitting Osama and Asad racked up the necessary runs.

The 2nd XI also had a tough afternoon. Power Winterthur’s Osama and Asad again did the damage, both scoring centuries and putting together most of a massive 321. The only wickets were claimed by Attaullah and Shankar, together with a run out by Abdullah. Despite a positive start to our reply by Gokul (28) and Khawar (33), as well as Wafadar’s 15 at the end, the total was always going to be out of reach. However, 122 for 7 was an improvement and only 28 short of the target the team had set itself.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zurich Crickets CC 2^nd XI fall to St.Gallen CC by 91 runs (July 25^th)

St.Gallen’s openers got off to a brisk start despite some good lines and lengths from Keeran and Suleman. The 2^nd XI are fast learning that anything short or not bowled enough on the off side will be punished and if one or two balls in an over err that way, the boundaries get found. Aryan, though, snatched a first wicket with a mistimed heave up and into the hands of Gokul. The score was 67-1 after 7 overs. The next wicket was a wonderfully executed run-out by debutant Shankar with a direct hit to the bowler’s end! Wicket number three and Aryan clean bowled his man – 110-3 in the 13^th over. Shankar came on to bowl and his first ball gets dropped! The second ball is also put down! He has to wait for his 6^th ball before the ball ends safely wrapped in the hands of Keeran at cow-corner. 123-4 after 14 overs. In the next over Suleman strikes, this time with a catch to Aryan. Fifteen runs later and Shankar picks up his second wicket and again it is Keeran in the deep making good ground to remove the tenacious opener. Despite economical and consistent bowling by Attaullah (4-22-0), St.Gallen push hard and post almost 50 more runs in the final five overs. Catches win matches and we are guilty of letting St.Gallen off the hook too many times and the guests get away with 187-7. Notwithstanding, the team remained buoyant and there are many positives to take away in the fielding department.

We struggled with the bat. The runs arrived slowly in dribs and drabs. Gokhul (28) once more steadied the ship, batting through to the 16^th over but unable to accelerate. Meanwhile, batting partners came and went with no one able to accelerate the turn of the scoreboard. Too many dot balls with players too often desperately wanting to heave the ball to the leg-side boundary. When Gokhul departed, Vadim (16*) and Attaullah (10*), however, put together a fine 29 runs in the final four overs. It is in the batting department that we need to make the biggest strides and the matches are the perfect place to learn. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ZCCC members introduce over 100 children to cricket (15th July)

Fit4future, the largest health initiative in Switzerland, runs holiday sport camp weeks during the summer for roughly 1000 young children around the country. Fit4future motivates children to take more exercise in a playful way, sensitizes them to a balanced diet and also promotes their mental health. 

Since 2013, "fit4future" has been offering polysports camps in cooperation with numerous sports associations, clubs and sports authorities, including Zurich Crickets CC in 2020. During these varied holiday weeks, children of primary school age try out different sports in a playful way and perhaps discover a new hobby.

From 13 to 17 July, Hardau Sports Hall in Zurich hosted 110 children who tried their hands at sports such as tennis, basketball, street racket, football, athletics, wrestling, rugby, and of course cricket.

In six 45-minute sessions Dayn, Nic and Patrick introduced children between the ages of 6-11 to the basics of cricket: catching, throwing, running between the wickets and batting were tried out in fun and competitive games, while they all finished up by playing mini-matches in small teams.

It was a rewarding day working with enthusiastic, energy-laden and sometimes very noisy participants and one that demanded unflagging concentration, flexibility and motivational skills, in particular with the 6/7-year-olds after the 3pm stage! A number of children are keen to join the club.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zurich Crickets U11s travel to Basel for first match of the season  (July 4th)

The excitement for a normal friendly match was never before experienced as it was on Saturday July 4th 2020 AC (After Corona). To put things to perspective, ZCCC U11s played their last competitive match of any sort in Nov 2019 BC (Before Corona) at the Gingins Indoor tournament and their last outdoor match was way back in September 2019 BC at the Romande Cup. The friendly against Basel at Bachgraben Basel saw wonderful parcipation of 13 ZCCC players and 12 from Basel. They were well supported by perfect weather for a game of cricket. This match was 24 overs per innings.

Zurich Crickets CC won the game comfortably by 18 runs.

Click on this link for the full report

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Both 1st and 2nd XIs win by 8-wicket margins vs Aargau CC (June 20th)

In good conditions and winning the toss, ZCCC’s 1st XI elected to bowl at Aargau CC. With extras hampering and dampening the attack Aargau were allowed to put together 42 before the first of two wickets fell to Dayn. Another two followed and at 49 for 3 the guests looked to rebuild. Restricted by the economical overs of Ruan and Attaullah, Aargau CC put together 140 for 5 in their 20 overs. In reply Ruan (17) and Noorkhan (27) clubbed a lively 47 in the first 5 overs before both losing their wickets in quick succession. Westy 64* was in fine form, carving the poor balls to the boundary, not always easy in the slow Deutweg outfield, and content to run ones and twos with Nic (20*) to craft a 92-run partnership and an 8-wicket win with an over to spare.

The 2nd XI also bowled first and a fine display it was with Eden (1), Abdullah (1) and Suleman (2) all finding their line and length to prevent attempts to haul the ball to the boundary. Keeper Max was unlucky not to have been presented with a flurry of edges by frustrated batsmen. They were ably supported by Saeed (1) and Aryan as well as by some excellent fielding in the deep with the big arms of Nawroz, Gianluca, Eden and Abdullah limiting the running between the wickets. The high standards in the field were already evident when a cool-headed run-out by Gokul effected the first wicket. Finishing on 133 for 6, ZCCC had given themselves a more than reachable target.

Keeping up with the run-rate Khawar (25) and Gokul (13) accumulated 45 before both were removed by Raj. Eden (30*) and Max (24), with maturity and style, running hard between the wickets, and happy to add a large number of extras to their 76-run partnership, completed an excellent chase for the loss of no further wickets to bring about a thoroughly deserved 8-wicket win. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zurich Crickets CC 1st and 2nd XIs start well in the new season (June 13th)

The 1st XI played a first Friendly vs Zurich Lions at the Embrach ground on Saturday 13th June. Reduced to 16 overs due to the threatening heavy rain forecast for the early evening Lions elected to bat first. Wickets fell regularly and never allowed the Lions to accelerate their run rate. Lions were reduced to 111 for 9 with wickets falling to Noorkhan (2), Lavan (2), Keeran (1) and Wafadar (1), while three run-outs did suggest that our fielding is again a valuable weapon in our armoury. Zurich Crickets were clearly rusty at times in the field but willing to fight back and improve on any errors made. A warm welcome to the three newcomers Gianluca, Towafee and Doug.

The batting told a clear story. The openers Baljit (39) and Noorkhan (18) steadily built at 7 an over until the first wicket fell just before 50 came up. Ruan (24*) and Westy (22*) then crunched through the numbers. The final 6 overs went for 62 runs. Crickets won by 8 wickets with 20 balls to spare.

The 2nd XI also bowled first against Zurich Lions. After the Lions’ brisk start Suleman took out the top order with a fine trio of wickets, two in his first over! He was ably supported by Eden and Abdullah (1) and they did well to restrict the run rate. In the final 3 overs Vadim, Khawar (1) and Abusaeed (1) also did admirably to limit the runs to under 6 an over. The Lions finished on 131 for 7.

Zurich Crickets’ reply was dampened with a first ball wicket but Gokul (18) and Eden (20) rebuilt patiently and calmly, playing some of the best shots of the day. When Eden was unfortunately run out, Nawroz proved just how dangerous he can be. His 54 runs after a quiet start were spectacular! With a storm brewing, the skies darkening and the winds beginning to hamper the big shots, Latif and Brijesh stayed with him, keeping him on strike as much as possible until just 12 were needed off the final over! 8 were scored off the first 5 balls. A huge strike went skywards and towards the boundary, but it was not to be. The team finished 4 runs short of a victory. This was a brilliant first showing by the 2nd XI and the whole team deserves much credit for the performance, the way they gelled and kept their heads up thoughout. We look forward to seeing more of this team.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dream 11 European Cricket Series

Cricket Switzerland T10 Extravaganza

in conjunction with the European Cricket League (ECL)

From Monday 22nd - Friday 26th June 2020, five days of cricket will be brought to you live from St Gallen.

Six teams, including Zurich Crickets CC, from across Switzerland will compete in an exciting, fast & furious T10 contest at the Gründemoos stadium in St Gallen, all broadcast live by the European Cricket Network.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zurich Crickets win sFOCUS award 2019! (22nd February)

At the sFOCUS AGM, Zurich Crickets CC 1st XI were awarded the 2019 Spirit of Cricket Award. 

Based upon on- and off-field experiences of swissFOCUS officials, the swissFOCUS Spirit of Cricket award is an annual award presented to a club in recognition of consistently demonstrating exemplary conduct on the field in all domestic senior competitions. 

This is a wonderful achievement and the team takes full credit for winning this prestigious award. Congratulations!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zurich Crickets seniors earn praise ahead of the new season (23rd February)

While training for the new season has begun in earnest indoors, Swiss Cricket President and Competitions Manager have complemented the work that our 1st XI put in last season by saying "in both the Pickwick Twenty20 Final and the CSPL Final and the International Club tournament in Zuoz... it was Zurich Crickets that impressed most, a team made up almost exclusively of young players, reaching two of those finals," and: "the team that has shown incredible fight and played excellent cricket was Zurich Crickets CC who qualified for the finals in their debut season, and congratulations to all the players and coaches of Zurich Crickets."

Training in the indoor season is all about getting the simple things right, knowing what you do well and confidently reproducing those skills outdoors, but also enjoying the company of one's teammates and the great game itself. We will look to build on the results of last season and help introduce new players to the senior game: A total of 352 players took part in the 2019 Swiss league. Four ZCCC players were among the top 15 batsmen, five of our bowlers finished with figures in the top 13, seven of the team were among the top 30 fielders, while again seven players were ranked within the top 22 Most Valuable Players.

We wish all our players a great season!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------