Swiss Mr. Pickwick T20 Cup Final

Olten CC 118-8 in 20 overs lost to Winterthur CC 119-7 in 19.2 overs

Sunday 19th August 2012, Marzili Cricket Ground in Berne

Swiss Mr. Pickwick T20 Cricket Cup in Berne (19.8.2012)

On a scorching summer's day below the Swiss parliament building in Berne, Winterthur Cricket Club won the Swiss Mr. Pickwick T20 Cup Final against last year's runners-up, Olten Cricket Club, in a closely fought final on Sunday 19th August 2012 by 3 wickets.

In conditions emulating the Indian sub-continent, the Olten captain, Sheeraz, called the toss and won and chose to bat first.

The Olten opening pair looked determined to set a mighty total, scoring 25 off the first two overs. But the opening partnership faltered in the third over. The mid-order followed and before long Olten were 52-5 . However, the Olten tail-end wagged and Olten managed 118-8 in their alloted twenty overs, a total they could perhaps feel comfortable to defend against a side that had only scored more than a century on one occasion in the SCA league this season.

Berne Cricket Ground through the foliage

After a short 10 interval, Olten took to the field. A solid opening from Rajeev Jha and Pip Kirkpatrick put Winterthur into a commanding position before being broken, putting Winterthur on 42-1. However, in classic Winterthur fashion, the batting order faltered, preparing the game for a dramatic climax. When Nasir was dismissed lbw some members of the modest crowd thought that Winterthur's chances had gone with him. But with 15 required off three overs Mahmood came to the crease and in one over turned the game back into Winterthur's favour, soon after steering Winterthur with just four balls remaining.

After the game, Mr. Simon Tan of Discount Sports presented the runners-up with some wicket keeping equipment and then the CHF500 cricket equipment voucher to the winning captain, Rajesh Singh.

In his address to the teams and spectators, the SCA President, Mr. Alexander Mackay, thanked both sides for an exciting game. He also thanked all the other clubs that had joined the competition this year, the main sponsor the Mr. Pickwick's and Discount Sports, the umpires Mr. Sajid Sufiat and Mr. Farhan Sardar, Mr. Abraham Koshy and Berne Cricket Club for all the ground preparation and Olten CC for the fine curry lunch.