1st XI vs Sulhamstead & Ufton

Zahid's Five-Wicket Haul Propels Sonning to Victory Over Sulhamstead

Mohammed Zahid delivered a match-winning bowling performance, claiming 5 for 15, as Sonning 1st XI secured a comfortable six-wicket victory against Sulhamstead & Ufton in their Division 2B encounter at home on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sulhamstead struggled against Sonning's disciplined bowling attack. Zahid's devastating spell included the key wickets of James Pickard, Matthew Gill, Charlie Baker, and Finn Mercer, as the visitors were dismissed for just 94 runs in 44.4 overs.

Steve Belcher provided the only substantial resistance for Sulhamstead, crafting a patient 43 from 104 deliveries, including five boundaries. Belcher and Pickard (28) combined for the most significant partnership of the innings, adding 52 runs for the fifth wicket before Pickard fell to Zahid, caught by William Hibberdine.

Sonning's bowling attack maintained relentless pressure throughout, with Peter Higginbottom (2-32) providing excellent support, while Michael Longridge (1-9), Dion Laban-Jeffries (1-19), and Ramish Ahmed (1-12) all contributed with wickets. Bobby Malik delivered a miserly spell of 4-2-2-0 to further strangle the Sulhamstead innings.

In response, Sonning captain Peter Dean led from the front with a composed 42 from 69 balls, including six boundaries. His innings established a solid platform with three important partnerships – 35 runs with Peter Higginbottom (14), 23 with Louis Dean (12), and 25 alongside Zahid, who completed an outstanding all-round performance.

Zahid's quickfire 22 from just 21 deliveries, featuring three fours and a six, accelerated Sonning's progress before falling to Finn Mercer, who finished with impressive figures of 3-28. After Dean's dismissal at 94-4, William Hibberdine (4*) and Mannu Rawat (2*) calmly guided Sonning to their target in 26 overs.

The comprehensive victory strengthens Sonning's position in Division 2B, while Sulhamstead will look to regroup after a disappointing batting display in which only two batsmen reached double figures against Sonning's disciplined bowling performance.