Sweden defeat Germany on Day 4 to set up final day deciders in WCL Europe Division 1
Sweden came back strong from a close loss to Austria the day before, to defeat table- topper Germany. Austria and Norway both recorded convincing wins today, to ensure the tournament stays alive until the final day. The winner of the tournament will be decided on day 5 as several teams are still in contention for the top spot.
Sweden v Germany
Sweden had a point to prove on day 4, coming back from a close defeat the previous day. The German batting order didn’t get their usual start and was in trouble with the score on 143 for 7. Opener Daniel Weston (96) managed to stay calm and set up a crucial partnerships with Ahmed Wardak (27) to get the German total to over 200.
In the field it was a similar story as the Swedes stuck to their plans and played nicely in the gaps around the field. Shahid Mustafa (56) contributed a half centuru and Captain Mitch O’Connor lifted the team with his 70* as the German total came closer and the Swedish fans let themselves be heard. Germany made some mistakes bowling and fielding which cost them dearly in the end. Despite a late wobble and the loss of a few wickets, the Swedish kept their heads about them and passed the total in the 45th over.
Belgium v Austria
Austria put on a strong display against the Belgians, as they dominated in both innings. Bowling first they applied constant pressure on the Belgian batters, taking wickets at regular intervals and cutting off their opportunities to score. With the score on 143 for 9, Shaheryar Butt (52) unleashed another brutal display of six-hitting to lift the Belgian total to a more respectable 172.
Austria carried their momentum into the second innings, with an opening stand of 107 between Lakmal Arachchige (52) and Mahmmad Zalmai (70). The Austrian middle order finished off a clinical display, passing the Belgian score in the 33rd over.
Norway v France
Norway won the toss and chose to bat at the VRA cricket ground in Amstelveen. The French started off reasonably well with some early pressure from the bowlers. Norway was undeterred however and kept pushing. Raza Iqbal (104) put in a captain’s knock, supported by A Iqbal (43) and RR Shinde (63). The Austrian total after 50 overs was 225 for 5.
The French chase was stifled early on by the loss of the first three wickets for only 9 runs. Despite contributions the middle and lower order, the French ended their chase 100 runs short of the total.