3rd XI vs Yateley

Ahamed's Magnificent 138* Powers Sonning 3rd XI to Dominant Win Over Yateley

Sonning 3rd XI secured a comprehensive victory against Yateley in their Division 9A league fixture at home on Saturday, with Jameel Ahamed delivering a batting masterclass that left the opposition bowlers reeling.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Sonning captain Charles Astwood saw his decision quickly validated as the visitors collapsed to 6-4 in the early stages. Shahid Imtiaz was the chief destroyer, claiming the wickets of Asim Kayani and Joseph McGowan, while Michael Longridge removed Anthony McGowan, and a sharp run-out from the Sonning fielders compounded Yateley's problems.

A brief recovery through John (26) and Duncan MacGregor (12) steadied the Yateley innings somewhat before Vinay Mathew provided the only real resistance with a quickfire 30 from just 19 deliveries, including six boundaries. However, disciplined bowling from Sonning, particularly from Imtiaz who finished with excellent figures of 4-39 from his ten overs, restricted Yateley to 135 all out in 31.2 overs.

Sonning's response began cautiously as Astwood departed for 12, trapped lbw by Joseph McGowan with just 14 runs on the board. This brought together Ahamed and Indeveer Sahota, who combined for a productive 72-run partnership. Sahota contributed a fluent 37 from 38 balls, including eight boundaries, before being caught off Naveen Khapali's bowling.

The innings truly belonged to Ahamed, who constructed a magnificent unbeaten 138 from 108 deliveries, striking 21 fours in a display of elegant stroke-play and careful shot selection. He built substantial partnerships with Syed Naqi (10) and later with Toby Fitton (12), methodically dismantling the Yateley bowling attack.

Michael Longridge provided late impetus with a brisk 24 not out as Sonning powered to a commanding total of 294-5 from their allocated 40 overs. The Yateley bowlers struggled throughout, conceding 55 extras, which included 23 wides and 7 no-balls, further easing Sonning's path to victory.

The 159-run winning margin reflected Sonning's dominance, with Ahamed's outstanding century the highlight of a comprehensive team performance that firmly established their credentials in the division. The all-round display featuring strong contributions with both bat and ball should give captain Astwood plenty of satisfaction as Sonning continue their league campaign.