MATCH REPORT | OCC vs ICCB – May 3, 2025 | Wemmel Cricket Ground
In a rain-affected season opener against International Cricket Club Brussels-1 (ICCB), Optimists Cricket Club (OCC) fell short by 91 runs (D/L method) in a challenging contest played at Wemmel.
Winning the toss, OCC opted to bowl first in damp and difficult conditions. The outfield was slow and heavy, with uncut grass making it tough for batters to score runs along the ground. Despite multiple rain delays reducing
the game to 48 overs per side, our bowlers kept things tight. Pankaj Malav led the attack with 4 for 37 in his 9 overs. Special mention to Sareer from OCC, who bowled a fiery spell with swing and pace that proved difficult to counter. A couple of early-season dropped catches added to the challenge, but we kept pushing. ICCB posted 236, with key contributions from Richie George (50), Amit Sinha (35), and Sai Teepi (30). OCC’s Asghar also started the season well by striking with his very first delivery to provide an early breakthrough.
In reply, OCC’s innings saw a spirited effort, particularly from Advyth Manepalli (40 off 67) who anchored the chase. He built the only notable partnership (36 off 48) of the innings with Shameek (10 off 14), which gave hope of a turnaround — but just as it started to build pressure, Shameek fell, triggering a collapse. OCC was bowled out for 143 in 35.5 overs, with Amit Sinha and Ashutosh Upadhayay picking up two wickets each for ICCB. For OCC batters it was a day of awakening.
A tough outing, but a good learning experience and a reminder that it’s only the beginning of the season. Plenty of positives to take forward, especially in bowling discipline and flashes of batting resilience.
Another notable mention to Phil Burleigh for travelling and scoring for the game. Thank you Phil!
Onward and upward — we go again in next game!
Match report by Shameek Vats