4th XI vs Purley on Thames

Jones and Pottachola Shafi Show Resilience Despite Sonning 4th XI Defeat

Sonning 4th XI fell to a comprehensive eight-wicket defeat against Purley on Thames in their Division 10A league fixture at Yattendon CC on Saturday. Despite posting a competitive 196 all out, Sonning couldn't contain Purley's opening batsmen who put on a match-winning 195-run partnership.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Sonning's innings got off to a shaky start with early wickets falling at regular intervals. Captain Syed Naqi (10) departed early, followed by Rahul Sood (5) and Arun Raghavendra (16), leaving Sonning precariously placed at 70-5 when Joel Varghese (17) was caught.

The innings was transformed by a brilliant sixth-wicket partnership between Aseem Pottachola Shafi and Joshua Jones, who added 118 runs. Pottachola Shafi struck nine boundaries in his well-crafted 51, while wicketkeeper Jones played the innings of the match, hitting 10 fours and a six in his 64 from 77 deliveries.

Purley's Richard Leach was the pick of the bowlers with 3-30 from 5.4 overs, while Rowan Garfarth-Nebbett (2-22) and George Welsteed (2-36) provided valuable support as Sonning were dismissed for 196 in the final over of their innings.

In reply, Purley's opening pair of Ben Hardy and Alan Olivier-Smith dominated the Sonning attack from the outset. Hardy played magnificently, striking 18 boundaries in his 96, falling just short of a century when caught by Pottachola Shafi off Oscar Hienzsch's bowling. Olivier-Smith was equally impressive, compiling a solid 62 with nine boundaries before becoming Pottachola Shafi's only wicket, caught by Ewan Green.

Despite using eight bowlers, Sonning struggled to make inroads, with extras contributing 38 to Purley's total. Hienzsch (1-22 from 5 overs) was the most economical of the Sonning attack, while Pottachola Shafi completed a fine all-round performance with 1-23 from 6.4 overs.

Purley reached their target comfortably in the 32nd over with eight wickets in hand, Pahirathan Selvaratnam (0*) and Lee Rendell (4*) at the crease when victory was secured, giving the home side a comprehensive win in this Thames Valley Cricket League encounter.