In a dramatic final at Bachgraben, Basel, Nomads Embrach CC clinched the 2024 Cricket Switzerland Regional League (CSRL) title with a hard-fought 14-run victory over Basel Afghan CC. Both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, but it was the Nomads who came out on top, securing their spot in the Cricket Switzerland Premier League (CSPL) 2025 alongside Basel Afghan CC.
Match Summary:
Nomads Embrach CC: 119 all out (30.1 overs)
Basel Afghan CC: 105/9 (23.4 overs)
Result: Nomads Embrach CC won by 14 runs
First Innings: Nomads Embrach CC’s Gritty Performance
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Nomads Embrach CC struggled early against a disciplined Basel Afghan bowling attack. Captain Asvin Lakkaraju (9 off 31) and Roohullah Akonzada (15 off 16) got Nomads off to a steady, if slow, start. However, Raihan Stanikzai and Khalid Hassan Miakhel rattled through the top order, reducing Nomads to 33/3 inside 10 overs.
The middle order attempted to stabilize the innings, with Tasal Kamwal contributing a crucial 21 off 21 and Ziaullah Amarkhel playing a key innings of 24 from 21 balls, striking at 114.29. Despite their efforts, Nomads lost regular wickets and were eventually bowled out for 119, with Khalid Hassan Miakhel (3/10) and Naib Khaksar (2/26) leading the charge for Basel Afghan CC.
Second Innings: Basel Afghan CC Fall Just Short
Chasing a modest total of 120, Basel Afghan CC began their innings with a sense of purpose. Raihan Stanikzai (14 off 17) and Khalid Hassan Miakhel (20 off 40) provided a solid foundation. However, Basel’s momentum was soon disrupted by the brilliance of Ziaullah Amarkhel, who took key wickets at crucial moments.
Skipper Malyar Stanikzai gave Basel hope with a blistering 29 from just 12 balls, smashing 3 sixes and 2 fours at a strike rate of 241.67. But with little support from the lower order, the pressure mounted, and wickets tumbled. Ziaullah Amarkhel starred with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 23 runs, while Tasal Kamwal and Khalid Hassan Miakhel chipped in with valuable wickets.
Despite a valiant effort, Basel Afghan CC were bowled out for 105 in 23.4 overs, falling 14 runs short of the target.
Player of the Match: Ziaullah Amarkhel (Nomads Embrach CC)
Ziaullah Amarkhel was rightly awarded Player of the Match for his all-round performance. His 24 runs with the bat and 4-wicket haul in the second innings were instrumental in securing the title for Nomads Embrach CC. His ability to deliver under pressure made all the difference in a tight, low-scoring game.
Both Teams Qualify for CSPL 2025
In addition to the championship, both Nomads Embrach CC and Basel Afghan CC have qualified for the prestigious Cricket Switzerland Premier League (CSPL) 2025, where they will compete against the best teams in the country. This is a significant achievement for both clubs and promises even more exciting contests in the future.
Acknowledgements
We extend our thanks to the match officials, Tanmay Kasi and Jay Singh, for their excellent umpiring throughout the final. Their professionalism ensured a fair and competitive game.
A special thank you to Basel Cricket Club for hosting the finals and providing a fantastic venue for the culmination of this thrilling season.