4th XI vs Bradfield

Astwood and Bandlamudi Partnership Powers Sonning 4th XI to Victory over Bradfield

Sonning 4th XI successfully chased down Bradfield's total of 196-6 with three wickets in hand at home on Saturday, thanks to a commanding 142-run opening partnership between captain Charles Astwood and wicketkeeper Venkata Ramaiah Bandlamudi.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Sonning's bowlers maintained disciplined lines but faced resistance from Bradfield's batsmen. Joe Merne led the visitors' batting effort with a well-constructed 69, while Scott Barefield contributed a valuable 51. The pair established a solid platform for Bradfield, with captain Chris Jones adding an unbeaten 26 late in the innings.

Sonning's bowling attack shared the wickets, with Isaac Blakey (2-21 from 8 overs including 3 maidens) particularly economical. Michael Marsden claimed 2-34, while Syed Adnan finished with figures of 2-24 from his 4 overs. The home side did well to restrict Bradfield to 196-6 from their allotted 40 overs, despite 32 extras conceded.

In response, Sonning's opening pair of Astwood and Bandlamudi took command of the chase. Captain Astwood anchored the innings with a patient 73 from 111 deliveries, including 10 boundaries, while Bandlamudi played the more aggressive role, smashing 81 from just 65 balls with 13 fours. Their 142-run opening stand provided the perfect foundation for the run chase.

Bradfield fought back after breaking the partnership, with Joe Merne (3-50) and David Brown (2-23) triggering a middle-order collapse. Sonning lost 7 wickets for just 56 runs as David McLoughlin (9), Matthew Simpson (0), Arun Raghavendra (7), Shantanu Rawat (10), and Michael Marsden (0) all fell cheaply.

With tension mounting, Syed Adnan (5*) and Mike Eaton (4*) held their nerve to guide Sonning home with eight balls to spare, finishing on 198-7. The victory was built on the dominant opening partnership, which effectively neutralized Bradfield's bowling attack during the crucial early stages of the chase.

The win strengthens Sonning 4th XI's position in Division 10A of the Thames Valley Cricket League, with captain Astwood's leadership and batting performance proving decisive in securing the 22 points.