1st XI vs Burnham

Burnham Cruise to Victory as Sonning Batting Falters

Burnham CC secured a comprehensive win against Sonning in their Division 2B league fixture at Sonning on Saturday, successfully defending their total of 176 by bowling out the hosts for just 91.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Burnham made a solid start with opener Affiq Latif striking six boundaries in his brisk 31 from 30 balls. The visitors' innings was built around Adnan Malik's patient 40 from 48 deliveries, which included four fours and a six, providing crucial stability in the middle order.

Sonning's bowling attack showed moments of discipline, with Peter Higginbottom delivering a tidy spell of 5-2-11-0. Bobby Malik made a late impact with figures of 2-6 from 2.2 overs, while Dion Laban-Jeffries and Ramish Ahmed each claimed two wickets, though both conceded extras through wides. Zahid Mohammed also contributed with 2-22 from his six overs as Burnham were dismissed for 176 in 37.2 overs.

The Sonning reply never gathered momentum against a disciplined Burnham bowling attack. Captain Peter Dean top-scored with 22, while Zahid Mohammed provided the only substantial resistance with 33 from 73 deliveries, including four boundaries. The pair were the only Sonning batsmen to reach double figures as the innings struggled to gain traction.

Burnham's bowling was led by Salman Choudary, who delivered a masterclass in control with figures of 3-15 from ten overs, including four maidens. Harkamal Singh matched that wicket haul with 3-15 from seven overs, while Lahiru Arachige chipped in with 2-14 from his 6.1 overs, including the crucial wicket of Mohammed, who was stumped by Affiq Latif.

Sonning's partnerships failed to develop, with their highest stand being just 20 runs for the first wicket. Once the top order was removed, the middle and lower order provided minimal resistance against Burnham's varied attack, with the final five wickets falling for just 23 runs.

Zain Ishaq captained the Burnham side efficiently, claiming the key wicket of Ramish Ahmed while also delivering an economical spell of 1-15 from six overs that included three maidens. Sonning were eventually dismissed for 91 in the 37th over, giving Burnham a comfortable 85-run victory in this Thames Valley Cricket League encounter.