U13 Scorchers v Bradfield U13

Scorchers Chase Down 158 as Andrews, Dollinger and Maddi Star in Cup Victory

Sonning U13 Scorchers produced an impressive run chase at Bradfield Cricket Ground on 7 June, overhauling a target of 158 with nearly three overs to spare in this U13 Cup – West Zone fixture. Captain Jamie Dollinger won the toss and inserted the hosts, a decision that was ultimately vindicated as the Scorchers chased down the total for the loss of just two wickets.

Bradfield's innings was built around two destructive knocks from Harry Crocker and captain Samson Norris. After openers Kimi Sanderson (8 off 21) and Rupert Chisholm (11 off 30) put on 36 for the first wicket, Crocker entered and changed the complexion of the innings. He blazed an unbeaten 44 off just 16 balls, clearing the boundary five times for six and striking two fours in a remarkable display of power hitting. Norris was equally aggressive, contributing an unbeaten 37 off 21 deliveries with five fours and a six. The pair's assault took Bradfield from a steady position to an imposing 157 for 9 from their 20 overs.

Elijah Patel was the pick of the Sonning bowlers, claiming three wickets for just 10 runs from his two overs, including the key dismissals of Stanley Osbourne, James Holley and Kofi Addleton in quick succession. Tejus Maddi chipped in with two wickets for 21 from four overs, while Namit Desai bowled an economical spell of 3-0-8-1 and Henry Bright and Daniel Moseley each claimed a wicket apiece. Saurav Sivaram completed a sharp run out to dismiss Aarab Rai and close the Bradfield innings.

The Scorchers' reply began shakily, slipping to 10 for 2 after Charlie Bright was bowled by Norris and Saurav Sivaram fell lbw to Crocker. With the required rate already demanding and wickets falling, the visiting side needed a partnership of substance.

Finley Andrews and Jamie Dollinger provided exactly that. The pair took control of the innings, each scoring exactly 30 runs from 29 balls. Andrews struck five fours in a composed knock, while Dollinger matched him boundary for boundary with five fours of his own. Both batters retired not out after reaching the 30-run threshold, having wrestled the initiative firmly in Sonning's favour.

Tejus Maddi then seized the moment, arriving at the crease and playing with freedom and authority. His explosive 30 not out came off just 16 balls, laced with five fours and a towering six, ensuring the chase never faltered. Namit Desai provided excellent support at the other end, contributing a measured 14 not out from 15 balls with two boundaries as the Scorchers eased past the target in the 18th over.

Bradfield's bowling struggled to contain the Sonning batters, with extras contributing heavily — 50 in total, including 23 wides and 16 no-balls. Rupert Chisholm conceded 31 runs from his two overs with 10 no-balls, underlining the discipline issues that ultimately proved costly for the home side.

The Scorchers' total of 160 for 2 represented a comprehensive victory, built on the back of three identical scores of 30 from Andrews, Dollinger and Maddi, complemented by an earlier bowling effort that kept Bradfield to a chaseable total despite the pyrotechnics of Crocker and Norris.