Optimists Cricket Club

BCF League 2026, Division 2 | Premium Cricket Club Brussels v Optimists Cricket Club | Sunday 13 September 2026, Wemmel

Result: OCC won by 6 wickets

A bowling-friendly pitch dictated the terms as Optimists Cricket Club secured a dominant six-wicket victory over Premium Cricket Club Brussels in their BCF Division 2 clash. On a surface that offered plenty of assistance to the bowlers, the Optimists' attack made the most of the conditions (overcast and a bit of drizzle) before their batsmen chased down the target with a fearless and aggressive approach.

Choosing to bat first, Premium Cricket Club Brussels endured a nightmare start, losing opening batsman Shariq Nawaz for just two runs in the second over. The top order collapsed under relentless pressure from the opening bowlers, as Raju Akulwar (2/12) and Mohit Dixit (2/24) ripped through the front line to leave Brussels reeling at 23 for 4. Eliyas then took complete control of the innings, tearing through the middle order with an exceptional spell of 4 for 22, including four maiden overs. Brussels offered very little resistance on the challenging surface, with only number nine batsman Qasim Saber showing real intent, striking a quickfire 27 off 19 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Pankaj Malav wrapped up the tail, taking 2 for 9, as Brussels were bundled out for a meager 69 runs in just 23.2 overs.

Defending a tiny total of 70, Brussels' bowler Shayan Tahir gave his side a brief glimmer of hope by bowling a superb spell, picking up 3 for 29. However, knowing the pitch favored the bowlers and that lingering would only invite trouble, the Optimists' batsmen played with a completely fearless and aggressive mindset. Amit Halbhavi set the tone early with a brisk 16 off 19 balls. Vivek Dixit dug in for a vital 10, ensuring the scoreboard kept moving despite the tough conditions. Eliyas then put an aggressive end to the contest, blasting two boundaries and two sixes in a 10-ball cameo to finish on 20 not out. The attacking approach paid off handsomely as Optimists Cricket Club rushed to the target in the 13th over, finishing comfortably on 71 for 4 to seal the points.

With this win Optimists are back on top of the Div 2 league table, with one game to go. They still need to win their last game this Sunday to become Div2 champions as Ostend are only 16 points behind with 1 game, still to go.