4th XI vs Reading

Singh Century Powers Reading to Victory Despite Naqi's Bowling Heroics

Reading's Kaval Singh struck a commanding century as the home side secured a convincing win against Sonning 4th XI at Sonning Lane in their Division 10A clash. Singh's magnificent 106 from 112 deliveries, including 12 boundaries and a six, formed the backbone of Reading's imposing 261-6 from their 40 overs, before their bowling attack dismantled Sonning for 132.

After Sonning captain Syed Naqi won the toss and elected to field, Reading openers Singh and Vikramjit Singh Sidhu established a formidable foundation with a 138-run partnership. Sidhu contributed a fluent 55 from 69 balls with 10 fours and a six before falling to Naqi, who emerged as Sonning's most effective bowler with figures of 3-59.

Jack Wolfenden (1-27) claimed the prized wicket of Singh who, by then, had compiled an impressive century and propelled Reading's total beyond 250 with support from captain Aniq Bajwa's quickfire 38 not out from just 25 deliveries. Paul Towner (1-26) and Neil Fenwick (1-35) claimed the other wickets for the visitors.

Facing a daunting target of 262, Sonning's batting response never gained momentum. The Reading bowling attack, led by Aniq Bajwa (2-11) and Jaskaran Brar (3-28), maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings. Only three Sonning batsmen managed to reach double figures, with captain Naqi top-scoring with 26 from 31 balls.

Paul Towner provided the most substantial resistance in Sonning's middle order, contributing 28 runs before falling LBW to Brar. Jack Wolfenden added some late flourish with a spirited 24 from 20 deliveries, including a six, but Reading's disciplined bowling performance, complemented by tight spells from Tanish Ramakrishnan (2-10) and Arjun Dosanjh (2-24), ensured Sonning never threatened the target.

The home side's dominance was built on disciplined bowling – with three bowlers maintaining economies under three runs per over – and dynamic fielding that included four catches and a run out to dismiss Sonning's final batsman, Adnan Syed, with 9.3 overs remaining.

The 129-run victory secured Reading valuable points in Division 10A, while Sonning collected six bonus points for their efforts – three each in batting and bowling – on what proved to be a challenging outing at Sonning Lane as the season approached its conclusion.