1st XI vs Finchampstead

Ayub's Masterclass Century Steers Sonning to Commanding Victory Over Finchampstead

Muhammad Ayub's spectacular unbeaten 132 propelled Sonning to a comprehensive victory over Finchampstead in their Thames Valley Cricket League Division 2A fixture at Finchampstead Park. Batting first after losing the toss, Sonning posted an imposing 261-6 from their full allocation of 50 overs before dismissing the hosts for just 145.

Captain Peter Higginbottom (17) and Connor Wardlaw (45) established a solid foundation with a 60-run opening partnership before Harry Stephens (3-42) made the breakthrough for Finchampstead. When Mohammed Zahid fell for a duck two balls later, Sonning needed stability at 60-2.

Ayub provided that and much more, crafting a magnificent 110-ball innings that included 12 fours and 8 sixes. His 120-run partnership with Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha (41) proved decisive as they accelerated the scoring rate through the middle overs. Alex Sharp (2-54) and Kailan Patel (1-66) were both expensive as Ayub launched a calculated assault in the latter stages of the innings.

Chasing 262 for victory, Finchampstead's reply faltered early with Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha (2-10) removing Matthew Eldridge (9) and Dilan Patel (2) within his economical five-over spell. Mohammed Zahid (2-22) also struck early, dismissing Stuart Parsons for just 4 runs.

Harry Stephens provided the only substantial resistance for Finchampstead, crafting a determined 68 from 87 deliveries including nine boundaries. His partnerships of 40 with Zac Leonard (14) and 55 with Christian Taylor (21) briefly threatened to build momentum, but Daniel Longridge (2-49) removed both Leonard and Taylor to maintain Sonning's control.

Any hopes of a Finchampstead recovery disappeared when Stephens became Zahid's second victim with the score at 128, leaving the lower order exposed. Ehtesham Azam (4-34) tore through the tail with ruthless efficiency, claiming the final four wickets as Finchampstead collapsed from 128-5 to 145 all out in 38.5 overs.

The 116-run margin of victory reflects Sonning's dominance across all facets of the game, with Ayub's batting masterclass complemented by a disciplined bowling performance that featured wickets shared among the attack. For Finchampstead, Stephens' brave half-century and three-wicket haul were the only significant positives on a challenging day at home.