CSPL match report: Winterthur versus Olten

Winterthur CC lost their 2nd CSPL match against Olten CC on Sunday 31st of May 2015.

The visiting team captain Shiraz won the toss and elected to bat.
Winterthur opened the bowling attack with Rahul and Imran. While Rahul was attacking the batsmen with his first spell 0-11 in 4 overs(only 1 wide), Batsmen where attacking Imran's spell, although  very expensive Imran managed to get 2 early break through 2-37 in 4 overs. At this point Olten where all set for a big score at the end of the 40th over. Winterthur needed to stop runs and another breakthrough. Danger man from Ali was at the crease and Captain was looking for some responsible blowing attack so Jagath and Dipi took over the responsibility and bowled brilliantly. Jagath picked up another wicket and before he ended his first spell 1-9 in 4 overs (1 wide) Tom dropped a dolly of Ali !!! just when we thought that was the end of dropped catches Muhamed dropped Ali's catch in couple of overs. If these catches were taken WCC might have had a different turning point to the match. Dipi also got unlucky as the Captain and wicketkeeper Tom whose gloves did have enough glue for the ball to stick, dropped another catch. In the end Dipi bowled brilliantly and finished the spell in style with a maiden, 1-11 in 4 overs(1 wide). At this point Olten were extremely under pressure as the last 8 overs only got them 20 more runs which not a lot from extras, in total Olten where at 66-4! With Asghar joining the attack and getting a wicket in his first spell  1 -14 in 3 overs (4 wides). Winterthur bowled well and eventually contained Olten to 163 all out, Ali 55(62) and Rizwan 38(34). Notable bowlers where: Dipi 4-30 in 8 overs(4 wides), Jagath 8 overs 2-20(3 wides) and Asghar 2 for 32 in 7.5 overs (10 wides !!!!). Inspite of all the drop catches, the highlight of the game was Callum's diving stops and Sara's unbelievably great reflex catch at silly mid off !! plucked the ball out of the air, he made it look so easy after he figured out he caught the ball :-D
 
After the excellent bowling and star fielding performances, Winterthur opened the batting attack with Callum and Ram. Olten fully charged up bringing in Shane the fastest West Indian bowler in Switzerland made Callums and Rams knees tremble, fighting through the pace attack, both Ram and Callum played sensibly and got few runs onboard, but we lost our first wicket Callum 3(17) on the 3rd over. Jagath 7(18) who performed so well against Berne league, walked in with confidence but sadly lost his wicket in the 9th over  and  Ram 12(28) in the 14th over. Things started to look a bit shaky for WCC, Sara and Rod tried to build some partnership but soon Rod's wicket fell in the 18th over scoring only 4(13). Sara continue to keep the scoreboard ticking but lost his wicket to a mistimed shot and gave away his wicket on the 22nd over, scoring 24(36). Muhamed gave excellent support to Sara and continued his form and score 16(42) in the 22nd over. It was down the hill from here Dipi 15(17) and Rahul9(10) trying to score some quick runs did not help and WCC got all out for 114 runs in 34.3.
 
We always learn from our mistakes and every match we play brings us closer to a victory ! Team spirit has been great ! bowling attack has always worked well ! fielding inspite of 3 dropped catches has been excellent. Top order batting needs some repair. There is nothing else apart from scoring some runs early that can save WCC. Team is aware of this and we are looking forward to our upcoming pickwick cup T20 games, few internal matches and zuoz tournament will help the core team to settle in a bit and work on batting. We are thankful to all the WCC members for their support and best wishes.

Reporter: Tom Mampilly