"Good coaches teach respect for the opposition, love of competition, the value of trying your best, and how to win and lose graciously"

Champions! Zurich Crickets U19s fought hard to win their CSPL Final against Geneva CC by 20 runs! (5th October)

Zurich Crickets Club Day 2024 (14th September)

After the threat of rain, the weather was kind and the Club Day could go ahead. All the age groups were well respresented and many thanks go to everyone involved in the organisation of the day. The excellent food and drinks went down perfectly after the closely contested matches, while the day was rounded off with a Bowl-out.

We look forward to the next such event in 2025.

ZCCC U19 win by 71 runs against Solothurn CC to set up semi-final spot (17th August)

An outstanding 94 by Saifullrahman, assisted by two parnerships (54 and 58) with Firdaws (22) and Faisal (28), saw the U19s post 199.

ZCCC by the break at 15 overs had broken the back of Solothurn at 90-4. The last 6 wickets fell for just another 38 runs with the spinners Faisal (7-35-3) and Firdaws (4-21-3) doing most of the damage. A fine spell by Afsar (5-20-2) set up Emal (1-6-1) to close the match, with Solothurn 128 all out.

Premier League T20 ZCCC 1^st XI wins against a tough ZCCC 2^nd XI (27^th July)

Batting first, the 1^st XI top order maintained a relentless 10-11 runs an over. A fine 56 from Sahil combining well with Noorkhan (30) set the tone. Aqib (20) dealt only in boundaries until he retired hurt, to be followed by Muhammad Wali’s quick-fire 16. Nic’s 35 took us to the 20^th over, together with a blistering 30 from Afsar’s 14 balls and Fayaz’s 12. 214 runs were on the scoreboard.

The 2^nd XI in reply were on top of the game with Sarhad’s rapid 11, together with Saifullrahman (20), and the flamboyant, irrepressible Abid. On 101-4 after 10 overs, the game was definitely on. Faisal (14) and Nawroz’s 31 off just 14 balls, working together with Abid took the score another 50 runs closer. The lower order needed to stay with Abid, who was the key. At the beginning of the 18^th over, Abid fell to Haron (3-17-3), having contributed a scintillating 73 runs. The youngster Parwiz 3.2-25-3 and Sahil 2-10-2 had caused too much damage to the promising chase. The 1^st XI won by 43 runs.

Congratulations to both teams for the entertainment!

1^st XI win CSPL vs Berne CC to remain unbeaten (July 20^th)

Showing strength in depth, with several senior players absent, ZCCC drafted in five U17 players. They did a wonderful job for the team! Tasal (19) and Sahil (60) put together 90 runs for the first wicket. The perfect start. A flurry of wickets threatened to undo the hard work. Nic (24) brought stability but a total of 163 remained a disappointment.

Berne built a solid and rapid foundation and at 60-2 in the 6^th over, one wondered. It was Abdullah’s removal of the openers that opened the sluice gates. None of the other batsmen were able to build a partnership and wickets fell in rapid succession. Afsar (6-20-3) was constantly a threat and was rewarded. New players Haron (2-8-2) and Parwiz (2-5-2) devastated the lower order, while Farhad finished off the Berne innings. A couple of catches went down, but keeper Nic held the two he was offered, and Farhad took the valuable catch of an opener. ZCCC won by 63 runs.

ZCCC 2nd XI dominate Eagles CC in 40-over fixture for a 6-wicket win (13^th July)

Despite losing the toss and bowling first, captain Nawroz immediately effects a run-out in the first over. The second and third wickets come quickly, falling to Bashir (3-15-1) and Saifullrahman (3-20-1). But it is Hezbullah, once again, who does the damage. In quick succession, with the score on 67, he removes the 4 middle order batsmen, leaving the Eagles floundering on 77-7. His figures, 8-1-21-5, are superb and he again is Man of the Match. Zubair 6-2-14-1 and Faisal 8-1-25-0 add so much pressure that the wickets continue to tumble and Dirushaan deservedly picks up the final wicket, with Eagles on 121 in the 33^rd over.

In reply, ZCCC openers Abid (24) and Sarhad (19) bring up the 50 in the 8^th over, having played patiently and watchfully. It is Saifullrahman and Aqib who put on another 40 runs until the 15^th over, when Aqib departs. Saifulrahman’s assertive and confident 42 not out, together with Dirushaan, get us over the line after 20 overs.

Congratulations to the whole team on an excellent day with both the ball and the bat! A great team performance.

ZCCC 3rd XI lose opening T20 against Superlions CC by one run! (23rd June)

1^st XI dominates in all departments vs Cossonay (15th June)

Baljit (39) and Sahil (31) got us off to a brisk start of 56 before Noorkhan (44) joined Baljit for another 65 runs until the 13^th over. Gokul (40) and Zac’s 15 off 7 balls kept the momentum flowing, while Aqib and Nic were there to see us to 193-6.

Cossonay, under pressure from the start, took risks and wickets fell regularly, leaving them unable to craft any threatening partnerships. Afsar’s 4-16-2 was exceptional. Faisal 3-25-2 and Farhad 4-35-3 kept up the pressure and were rewarded. Abdullah and Zac both chipped in with the crucial wickets of the two openers. Highlight of the day was ‘Fountain of Youth’ BS and his sprinting, full-length diving chase and roll to catch Cossonay captain Arjun, much to the delight of his less agile teammates. The opposition finished on 164 and 31 runs short.

2^nd XI disappointment with the bat vs Cossonay (15th June)

Early wickets and only one promising partnership of 44 runs between Avneet (32) and Fayez (13) meant 76 all out, and we would have to fight and bowl superbly to get a result. In all fairness, we did. Bashir’s 3.3-16-3 were outstanding, while the others were all economical. However, in the 14^th over it was all over. 

Zurich Crickets U13's finished 3rd at the picturesque Zuoz 2024  (June 1st/2nd)

Zurich had a successful 1st day winning both their matches against Swiss Girls and eventual champions Basel Dragons.

In the first match against Swiss Girls, Pranav was excellent with his bowling figures of 2 for 10 in his 3 over spell, supported by Ben, Tejas and Nikhil with 1 scalp each, limiting Swiss Girls to 73 all out in 17.4 overs.

Zurich cruised the chase without losing a wicket in 9.4 overs with all 4 batsman contributing, Nikhil -20, Moksh - 10, Tejas - 21 and Ben - 9 runs.

Against eventual champions Basel in the 2nd match of the day, Zurich knew the competition was going to be tough given the previous matches between these teams.

Winning the Toss and electing to field, Zurich conceded 118 runs in 18 overs. Tanish with 2 wickets was Zurich's most successful bowler supported by Nikhil with a wicket. The other wicket came through a run out from Harsh and Tejas combined.

Chasing 119 against mighty Basel was by no means an easy one, but thanks to Nikhil's extraordinary innings of 41 runs off 25 balls with 5 fours and two sixes (all boundaries were a delight to watch, especially the two sixes over cover and mid wicket) Zurich chased down the target in 16.2 overs for the loss of 5 wickets.

Moksh - 10 runs, Ben - 12 runs, and Saani with 14 runs provided able support to Nikhil to see the chase through. Harsh and Kapilan bowled economically in both matches providing support to other bowlers.

Finishing top of the table on Day 1, Zurich returned confidently on the 2nd day to take on Romande U13, in the last of the round robin matches.

Winning the toss in drizzly conditions with a wet outfield, Zurich chose to field again. Unable to get a breakthrough and letting the openers score big, Zurich was set a target of 125 runs. Tanish was most economical for Zurich with 2 wickets for 11 runs in his three over spell, and Ben with 1 wicket.

Zurich batsman struggled in the chase. Nikhil was out without scoring. Tejas - 21 off 16 with 2 fours, and Moksh with 15 runs, which included a 4 and a six, put together the only partnership of the chase while other batsman struggled to score. Eventually we were all out for 80 runs, thereby losing out of the final due to a poorer run rate.

Disappointed at not making the finals, Zurich U13s took on the Swiss Girls for the 3rd place play off.

Batting 1st, Zurich scored 122 for the loss of 2 wickets. Kapilan - 6* , Saani - 14* (2 fours) , Moksh - 13* , Tanish- 8* (1 four)  & Ben - 19* with three boundaries, all contributed with the bat, supported further by Harsh, Nikhil and Tejas

Zurich comfortably won the 3rd place play-off, restricting Swiss Girls to 73 runs with all bowlers bowling economically, particularly Harsh , Kapilan and Saani with a wicket each.

Special mention to Pranav for coming back on 2nd day with a fractured thumb for supporting the team and contributing with his bowling.

ZCCC 2^nd XI beat Pakhtoon Zalmi CC by 70 runs to top Regional League table (1^st June)

Zurich’s centurion Shankar led throughout the innings to reach 118 not out! On a difficult wet wicket and slow outfield Shankar set about accumulating ones and twos. His boundaries were the patiently awaited occasional poor ball from the tight bowling that demolished the rest of the team. The 72 runs for the 9^th wicket with Mirwais were key, and endlessly frustrated the opposition. Composed and disciplined, Mirwais played the perfect part in their 13-over stand. 185 all out, Shanker had played an exceptional knock, so full of confidence and intelligent decisions, having faced more than 22 overs of the almost 40-over innings.

In reply, the opposition never really look threatening, especially after the two outstanding reflex catches by Nawroz and Faisal, which removed the two openers. Mirwais (7-2-21-3) opened the bowling and was excellent. The two spinners, Fayez 2-26 and Faisal 2-40, were always asking questions and, together with Bashir and Saifullrahman, the last 6 wickets fell for just 27 runs, leaving Pakhtoon Zalmi CC 70 runs short. 

2nd XI lose 40-over match to Winterthur CC (26th May)

Delighted to bowl first, it went so well. At 39 the first WCC wicket fell and after that they kept falling, although one felt that WCC tailenders had got away with nearly 30 runs too many. The bowling was tight and disciplined. Bashir and Fayez produced 7 wicktets, ably assisted by the pressure of Mirwais, Adil, Saifullrahman, Faisal and Ziaulhaq. Sharp in the field, despite a couple of dropped catches, we did hold on to the other 7 catches.

Chasing 146, the run rate was never going to be a problem. Fayez and Sarhad got us off to a patient and confident start. But when they were both out with the score on  34, the team imploded to suddenly find themselves on 65-7. After 26 overs ZCCC were all out for 94. What had looked so promising...

All agree there is work to be done. We are still at the beginning of the season with one win and one loss.

1st XI win tight T20 vs Winterthur CC (25th May)

A good start with the bat by Sahil (33) and Gokul then led to a flurry of wickets. Steadied by Noorkhan (25), Aqib (27) with four wonderfully struck 6s, and Firdaws (17), but that was it. We were 127 all out and left wondering where it had all gone wrong.

However, with Winterthur on 46-2 at the end of the powerplay, the opposition collapsed. Wickets fell, and continued to fall, leaving ZCCC to win by 8 runs. Abdullah 4-19-2, Firdaws 4-13-3 and Sahil 3-17-2 were exceptional and the catching key. An excellent fight back!  

1^st XI produce blistering start to the T20 season (12^th May)

Nomads-2 won the toss and decided to bat. Bowling first, ZCCC removed batsmen at a canter:  8-1, 11-2, 11-3, 28-4, 35-5, 47-6, 48-7, 55-8, 57-9, and 61 all out. Pick of the bowlers was Firdaws 2-0-4-4, and he was deservedly Man of the Match. However, Farhad’s 3-1-9-2, Abdullah’s 2.2-0-16-2 and Afsar’s 4-0-18-2 were no less worthy of mention, with Zac’s 4-1-14-0 adding the required pressure. Catches were held, all eight of them, to round off a superb effort in the field.

The openers Sahil (29*) and Baljit began with intent and when the first wicket fell with 48 on the board the captain, Noorkhan finished the job in style with 15 off just 4 balls. 

2^nd XI win the first 40-over match of the season (11^th May)

The new 2^nd XI took on Basel Afghans to open their 40-over season. With the visitors’ carefully crafting 72 in the first 11 overs before one of the openers finally fell, it was clearly going to be a long day. The 3^rd wicket of the dangerous Amin Ullah was taken by Fayez with 147 runs on the board in the 28^th over. This was the chance ZCCC had patiently waited for. The final 7 wickets were gobbled up for just 33 runs and it was the 3 spinners who brought about the collapse. Zia finished with 8-52-2, Fayez with 8-28-2 and Faisal an impressive 8-30-4. Mirwais took out the first and the last batsmen!

Chasing 180 to win, the run rate was never going to be a problem. It was wickets and, unfortunately, they fell alarmingly quickly: 17 for 4! Abid and Fayaz rebuilt but at 90 for 6 things were looking tough. Aqib put together 33 priceless runs, Saifullrahman and Faisal another 16. At eight wickets down the two spinners, Faisal and Zia put together another patient but intermittently heart-stoppingly flamboyant 40 runs to seal the win. Character and fighting spirit in abundance. A nailbiter!

ZCCC U19s undone by Rorschach by 44 runs (9^th May)

A mixture of some excellent bowling by Farhad, Dirushaan, Mirwais and Sahil, and wayward, expensive deliveries by the other 6 bowlers allowed Rorschach to post 200 on the board. ZCCC’s reply was just as frustrating with the bat. Despite a wonderfully confident 73 by opener Sahil, no one managed to stay with him, and the pressure built. The final 5 wickets fell for just 22 runs.

Zurich Crickets runners up at Basel Indoors 2024 (March 16th & 17th)

After competing for two days and six matches in a six-team competition consisting of Zurich Crickets, Basel Dragons, Romande, Swiss U11's,  Swiss Girls & Luxembourg, Zurich Crickets U13s finished 2nd in the competition.

Zurich were placed in Group A with Romande and defending Champions Swiss U11's.

In the Round Robin stage Zurich lost the first match against defending champions Swiss U11's and comfortably won against Romande.

Second place in the group stage meant Zurich had to win three consecutive knock-out matches to qualify for the final, which was achieved by a much determined and motivated bunch. They won all three matches against Luxembourg, Romande and the Swiss U11's. 

The Final against Basel Dragons was ZCCC's fourth match of the day and third consecutive one. Defending 123, ZCCC kept chipping away with wickets and took the match deep into the final over and but finished 2nd best with 5 balls to spare.

In the tournament ZCCC's Tejas (142 runs and 3 wickets) topped the batting figures, followed by Moksh (92 runs and 4 stumpings) and Ben (86 runs and 1 wicket). These three ZCCC players were backed up by Saanidhya (78 runs and 3 wickets) at No.7. Tejas was awarded the Best Batter.

Nikhil (48 runs and 7 wickets) topped the bowling chart! Kapilan was 3rd best bowler (47 runs and 4 wickets). Then there was Harsh (28 runs and 1 wicket) , Mani (45 runs and 3 wickets), Tanish (34 runs and 2 wickets) and Ansh (33 runs and 3 wickets) contributed with bat and ball through out the tournament.

Special mention and thanks to Arjun (2 wickets) for playing with Romande Team.

Players are now looking forward to the outdoor season and ZCCC's very own Tournament Zuoz 2024

ICC Umpiring and Coaching Courses (26^th February 2024)

During the winter months several senior players have invested time on Sunday afternoons to qualify themselves as umpires and coaches. Congratulations to Nawroz J, Farhad M, Firdaws R, Sahil T and Khalid N on successfully completing the following courses:

ICC Umpire Foundation Course – Introduction

ICC Umpire Level One – Equivalent to Stage One

In addition, Afsar F has completed the ICC Umpire Foundation Course – Introduction

The following players have also finished the ICC Coaching Foundation Course and completed Part 1 of the ICC Coaching Level 1 Course: Nawroz J, Farhad M, Sahil T, Khalid N and Firdaws R. They are looking forward to completing the ICC Coaching Level 1 Course in early 2024.

All of them have been in action coaching the ZC Academy and Senior players on a weekly basis since last year (2023), together with experienced coaches Nic H, Noorkhan A and Abdullah Z.

The two Henderson Trophies go to ZCCC players in 2023!

Beginning in 2021, Patrick Henderson, known to most for his time as the first national youth development officer (2004-2013) and president of Zurich Crickets Cricket Club (2004-2021), sponsored two trophies to Cricket Switzerland to encourage and celebrate young performers of the year.

The “Emerging Player of the Year Trophies” are presented by the Henderson Family and awarded to: Emerging Batsman of the Year and Emerging Bowler of the Year.

In 2023 the winners are:

1: Sahil Tarakhel (ZCCC): Emerging Batsman of the Year

2. Khalid Niazi (ZCCC): Emerging Bowler of the Year

The trophies were awarded for the first time in October 2021.

The previous winners were Numan Ahmadzai and Jamal Stanikzai in 2022, and Noorkhan Ahmadi and Malyar Stanikzai in 2021.

Criteria for the trophies

1.  A player can be a maximum of 22 years old (cut-off date being their 23rd birthday)

2. The trophies are awarded to players based on their batting and bowling, while fielding performances can also be taken into consideration. 

Congratulations to the two ZCCC players. 

ZCCC U17 Grasshoppers win the Under 17 CSPL! (7th October)

ZCCC U17 Crickets vs ZCCC U17 Grasshoppers reached the final of the Swiss CSPL U17 league.

Put into bat, the Crickets batsmen Shankar (38) and Safiullah (34) stood out but were ably supported by Paarth, Bashir and Shahedullaq against some excellent overs by Ahmad, Zac, and Sahil, despite the 40 extras leaked by the bowling team. The Crickets finished on 170 all out.

The Grasshoppers openers Sahil (56) and Aquibullah (77*) scored quickly and confidently, putting together 122 in 13 overs to take control of the match. Abid’s quick-fire 22 runs continued the rapid run chase and in the 19^th over it was all over for the loss of just 3 wickets.

Congratulations to all the players! 

Zurich Crickets crowned 2023 National League Champions! (24th September)

Zurich Crickets CC, with 110 playing club members and an additional 70 Academy players (aged 15-18 years), is the largest cricket club in Switzerland. Its members are also some of the youngest with only three players over the age of 24. The club fields competitive teams at all age levels from U9s to U19s, as well as two senior teams in the Swiss Men’s Leagues.

The 1^st XI, whose average age is 20, includes two U17s and four U19s, and there are plenty of youngsters knocking on the door. The competition is fierce, but healthy, and the club presently has two teams in the CS T20 Premier League and will continue to do so in 2024. Training takes place twice a week in the evenings, as well as all through the winter indoors.

Having suffered relegation last season from the CS 40-over Premier League, Zurich Crickets is delighted to have bounced back this season with a talented group of players. Six of this year’s 1^st XI were new players who have come up through the ranks of the Colts group.

Having breezed fairly comfortably through the Quarter-final vs Rhone CC and Semi-final vs St.Gallen, the Crickets had every reason to feel confident in the Final. Put into bat by Zug CC at Basel’s Bachgraben ground and with the outfield wet and uneven, ZCCC were glad not to have to bowl first.

Despite losing three for 60 runs (Sahil 21), Noorkhan (73) had played himself in and his 80-run partnership with Nic (24) was invaluable. Both then were dismissed in quick succession. Afsar and Khalid put another 30 together but runs were hard to come by and boundaries seldom. Zurich needed to defend 189, having almost batted 38 overs before the 10th wicket fell.

With bowlers keeping to tight lines and lengths, with fielders remaining sharp and alert in the field, regular wickets would fall on this wicket. It could not have gone better. Farhad, bowling in tandem with Abdullah, demolished the top order. At the beginning of the 7^th over, Zug were 15 for 5! Farhad, Man of the Match finished with 8-2-16-5, Abdullah with 8-0-40-2. These two have been outstanding all season.

All the Zug CC batsmen were caught. Two caught behind by Nic, Firdaws took two, both Noorkhan and Khalid another two each, and Afsar and Zac one each. Again, our fielding has very often been a huge asset.

The bowling from all seven bowlers piled on the pressure. No one allowed the batsmen to relax and get anywhere near the required run rate. Khalid’s 4.5-1-9-3 and Zak’s 4-1-10-0 were the icing on the cake. The depth of the bowling has clearly been one of the team’s strengths. Being able to turn to three spinners and two more quicks, as well as a medium-pacer and fourth spinner in reserve, is a comfortable dilemma for any team.

Zug CC were bowled out for 97, with Zurich Crickets winning the National League by 92 runs and become the 2023 Champions.

In 2024 it is hoped that the club will put together three senior T20 teams and two 40-over league teams. With the rapidly expanding group of U17 players due to the influx of Academy players, logistics will surely be the biggest headache. These Academy players are trained by 1^st XI members who are giving back to the game what they themselves have enjoyed over the past few years. In this respect, the future looks both bright and secure for Zurich Crickets CC.

ZCCC into CSNL semi-final after victory over Rhone CC (2nd Semtember)

A comfortable win against Rhone CC means ZCCC is now a win away from returning to the 40-over Premier League.

The CSNL match followed two disappointing losses by ZCCC's 1st and 2nd XIs against Cossonay CC the previous week. The loss by the 1st XI meant that their aim of getting into the semi-finals of the CSPL T20 league was thwarted by the run rate. However, both teams remain in the T20 Premier League.

1st and 2nd XIs month of July summary (July)

The 1st July brought an inspired 1st XI win by 9 runs vs Power Winterthur at Deutweg, while our 2nd XI struggled to find any momentum against PW and were soundly bested by 131 runs.

A rare poor performance by the 1st XI batsmen a week later caused a 1-run loss to Rorschach. However, that shake up galvanised both 1st and 2nd XIs to romp to victories vs Berne CC in the T20 Premier League.

Congratulations that both ZCCC teams will remain in the Swiss Premier League next season!

A week later and it was a 10-wicket win in the CSNL match on Saturday 22nd vs Pakhtoon Zalmi, followed by a 7-wicket win over Nomads Embrach on the Sunday. ZCCC now tops the CSNL group and will be looking to secure its move back into the 40-over Premier League group next season.

Two CSPL Under 17 matches vs Swiss U15 XI (6th May)

Zurich Crickets played two U17 XIs vs the Swiss U15 national XI at Deutweg. ZCCC won the first match by 60 runs on a slow outfield with Sahil (58) and Zac's (24) 61-run partnership making the difference. Useful contributions by Aqibullah, Misbah, Oscar and Tanish, helped by 33 extras, pushed the score beyond the reach of the Swiss U15s. The ZCCC bowlers (Zac 5-9-2, Sahil 6-27-3, Oscar 4-17-2, Emal 1.1-9-2 and Bashir 1-8-1) struck too regularly to allow any partnerships to build and the Swiss U15s were all out for 115.

The second ZCCC U17 XI, which included 4 newcomers to hard-ball cricket and another 4 in their first summer season, battled hard to restrict the Swiss U15s to 163 for 9. Hasmatullah, Zubair, Hezbullah and Khan Agha all took 2 wickets apiece, while Shaukat removed opener Sai. Captain Avneet's 34 did the damage but some excellent fielding still kept the total to a gettable target. Despite a brisk start to the reply, the removal of Abid and Naseer exposed the inexperience of the team and they were all out for 95.

Many thanks to the Swiss U15s for a great day's cricket and we wish them well on their tour later this month.