Winning the toss and batting first, OCC 1st XI came out with attacking intent from the outset. The opening pair laid a solid platform before Asghar Ali added a quickfire 48 from 24 balls, striking five fours and three sixes along Ben E making 52 of 30 balls which was the first 50 in many more to come during the evening.
The innings exploded through a magnificent century partnership between Mohammad Eliyas Jabar Khel and Anoop Orsu. Eliyas was in devastating form, smashing 65 off just 28 deliveries, including five fours and five sixes, at a remarkable strike rate of 232.14 who got promoted as new number 3 of OCC 1XI. After his dismissal, Anoop continued the assault, finishing unbeaten on 89 from only 39 balls, peppering the boundary with 11 fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 228.21.
With blistering hiting from the top order made the highest ever total in Luxembourg Division 1 tournaments with 281/3 in 20 overs.
For OCC 2nd XI, Kashif Hyder claimed 2 wickets, while Thomas Black picked up one, but both bowlers endured a difficult evening against relentless batting and it was a tough day at office for the rest of the bowlers.
Facing a daunting target of 282, OCC 2nd XI never managed to establish any momentum. Early wickets left them struggling at 2/1, and despite brief resistance from Jalal Tariq, who top-scored with 22, and Thomas Black, who made 20, regular wickets prevented any meaningful partnerships from developing.
The OCC 1st XI bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Milad Momand was outstanding, returning figures of 2/9 from his four overs, while Hashmat Momand was equally effective with 2/19. Wickets were shared around, with Oves Ali, Thiyagaran Selvaraj (Bowled first time in his Luxembourg cricketing career), Malith Gamage (Hidden gem who bowled in a match after 2 years), all contributing to bowl OCC 2nd XI limit only for 115.
The comprehensive victory highlighted OCC 1st XI's strength in both batting and bowling. Their explosive top order laid the perfect foundation, while a disciplined bowling performance ensured there would be no chance of a successful chase.
OCC 1st XI produced a dominant all-round display to defeat OCC 2nd XI by 166 runs after posting a formidable 281/3 before limiting opposition for 115/7.
A Fitting Farewell for Ed Packard
While the performance on the field was outstanding, the day carried even greater significance as it marked the final match for Ed Packard in an OCC 1st XI shirt before he embarks on an exciting new adventure abroad. Ed has been one of the cornerstones of OCC 1st XI for many years, playing a vital role in the club's success and helping the team lift numerous league titles and trophies. His commitment, leadership, sportsmanship, and passion for the club have left a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the scorebook.
Although this match wasn't defined by his statistics, it was defined by his impact on the club. Everyone at Optimists Cricket Club would like to thank Ed for everything he has done for OCC 1st XI.
From everyone at OCC: thank you, Ed. We wish you every success in your new adventure abroad. You'll always be part of the OCC family, and you'll always have a place to call home at Optimists Cricket Club.