![]() |
|
|
Umpeye en Français
Paul Baldwin
But the lunch seemed to weigh down on the Swiss batting. Azeem gave some respectability to an innings that never really got started with a classy 37 not out, but with extras as equal second top scorer (10), Azeem ran out of partners very quickly, and after just 92 minutes “Time” was called as Switzerland collapsed to 75 all out leaving France to claim the victory by 66 runs. The Swiss galvanised by their defeat on Saturday had a changed 11 for the Sunday match and winning the toss elected to bat. Swanepoel took the attack to the bowlers despatching them into the trees on a regular basis, and although he again lost his partner Brink (2) early Swanepoel continued to plunder the French bowling helping himself to 3 sixes and 4 fours in an entertaining knock of 46 off 44 balls before having his wicket claimed by Linton. Azeem (38) and Sanjeev (32) added another 11 fours and 2 sixes between them in a much improved batting display to give the bowlers a decent target of 205 to defend. French skipper Shabbir was pick of the bowling with 3 for 33, but the French looked as if they were lacking the penetration and accuracy they had demonstrated the previous day. The French innings went from bad to worse as opener Pereira was caught without scoring off his 5th ball from Ali and two wickets quickly followed to leave France on 10 for 3. Captain Shabbir steadied the boat with 2 sixes and 8 fours in a well constructed 66. 40 minutes were lost for rain, but concentration remained intact as Grant played 2 classy drives through the covers in a promising 26, but it was wicket keeper Wasim playing a free scoring innings of 64 off 52 balls ably supporte by Edwards (21), that guided the French to a comfortable 5 wicket victory. Although the French won both matches it was an even contest that had both sides on top for periods, but the French were able to convert their pressure into victories. Thanks go to John McKillop for his excellent hospitality, the Swiss Cricket Federation and Cossonay CC, who hosted us so admirably. |