France beat Belgium by 100 runs. 248 vs 148 runs
Franch Captain Scored 142 runs.

France began their 5 Nations title defense in Ohain in fine style. On a sunny August day in Ohain, France won the toss and decided to bat on what can be considered a beautiful batting track once the initial overs with the new ball are out of the way.

Mohammad and Ithayachandiran opened the batting but found the swing of Robyns and the pace of Kamawi and Saber Zakhil difficult to negotiate and were soon in trouble. This was the pattern throughout the innings for all the batsmen as they struggled against the extra bounce provided by the RBCC wicket. All except Hamza Niaz who scored a magnificient century 142 in 100 deliveries with 20 fours and 3 sixes. The next highest scorer was K Patel with 19 but extras played a huge part with 48 mainly due to wides and byes.

Niaz completely dominated the day as he smashed the ball to all corners of the ground. There was just one high point for the Belgium squad when Singh who came on to bowl a bit late took a hat trick, but even he could not restrict Niaz. France only batted 32.3 overs but with a run rate of over 7 runs per over they managed to score a formidable 247. The pick of the bowlers was Kamawi with 2 for 45 off 9 overs.

Belgium in reply found the disciplined bowling of France too much to handle and only Robyn with 52 and Muneeb with 26 showed any resistance as they were bundled out for 150 in 36.5 overs.

So France after this crushing win over the hosts are looking good to retain their title as they take on Switzerland next.

Results: Please click here to open CricHS Resultsheet in new window

Day 1: Luxembourg vs Switzerland
Date: 11th August 2015
Location/Ground: Anterp Cricket Centre, Middelheim/Antwerpen, Belgium
Umpires:

Results: Please click here to open CricHS Resultsheet in new window

Day 2: Belgium vs Germany
Date: 12th August 2015
Location/Ground: Anterwerp Cricket Centre: Middelheim/Antwerp, Belgium
Umpires:

Germany beat Belgium by 7 wickets.

After defeat to France on day one Belgium spirits were still high as they took on Germany in Antwerp. The weather was again sunny and warm and the pitch was good for batting assisted by short square boundaries.

Belgium won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that looked good while Muneeb was at the crease as he smashed 71 in 77 balls, however, he received very little support from his team as Belgium were bowled out for 147 in 34.4 overs. Other notable contributions came from Kamawi 20 and Diwanali 16.

The pick of the German bowlers was Verma who took 5 for 33 as Belgium struggled against the spin attack of the opposition.

Germany in reply knocked off the runs in 34 overs for the loss of only 3 wickets. However, Saber bowled fast and looked threatening as he picked up 2 wickets. There were several near misses and drop catches as Belgium paid the penalty for poor catching though the ground fielding was excellent.

Kumar and Karimi with 43 no and 44 no assisted by 32 extras were the main contributers in Germany`s victory.

Mention must be given to the magnificent 71 by Meneeb who looks a class player for the future. His ease and composure at the crease goes beyond his age. He also times the ball sweetly and is particularly good against the short ball.

Belgium now take on Switzerland next and must win to have hopes of not having to take the wooden spoon.

Result: Please click here to open CricHS Resultsheet in new window

Day 2: France vs Switzerland
Date: 12th August 2015
Location/Ground: Rpyal Brussels Cricket Club Ground, Ohain/Waterloo, Belgium
Umpires:

France Won by 8 wickets

Result: Please click here to open CricHS Resultsheet in new window