The Sunday Elite League Division 2 encounter at HKCC on February 1, 2026, saw DLSW Knights deliver a commanding all-round performance to dismantle HKCC Optimists by 140 runs, underlining their dominance in the competition.

Batting first after being put in, the Knights piled up a mammoth 341/6 in 47 overs, thanks to three standout innings. Skipper Butt Suleman Nasim led from the front with a composed century, scoring 102 off 107 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes. He was well supported by Preet Mangukiya (88 off 81), who combined patience with aggression, and Manpreet Singh Virk (38 off 17), whose explosive cameo featured five towering sixes. Mohammad Uzair Iqbal (40 off 26) and Hiren Patel (34 off 45) also chipped in, ensuring the Knights set a daunting target. The Optimists’ bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Tabish Dar (2/60) and Keshav Mathur (2/68) picking up wickets but conceding heavily.

In reply, HKCC Optimists faltered under scoreboard pressure, collapsing to 201 all out in 36.5 overs. Only Hadrick Coertze offered resistance with a fighting 83 off 62 balls, striking 8 fours and 5 sixes to keep faint hopes alive. He found brief support from George Lacey (20 off 41) and Seth Perera (23 off 23), but regular wickets derailed the chase. The Knights’ bowling attack was spearheaded by Preet Mangukiya (3/37), who capped off a fine all-round display, while Atif Fayyaz (2/29) and Keshav Mathur (2/68) ensured breakthroughs at crucial stages.

The Optimists’ innings was riddled with run-outs, reflecting the pressure created by sharp fielding and disciplined bowling from the Knights. Despite Coertze’s valiant effort, the chase never truly threatened the target.

This emphatic win showcased the Knights’ batting depth and bowling discipline, with Suleman Nasim’s century and Preet’s all-round brilliance standing out. With such a dominant margin, DLSW Knights strengthened their position in Division 2 and signaled their intent for a strong finish in the Sunday Elite League.