3rd XI vs Newbury

Sahota Stars with Bat and Ball as Sonning Secure Victory Against Newbury

Indeveer Sahota delivered a match-winning all-round performance as Sonning 3rd XI claimed a 45-run victory against Newbury in their Division 9A encounter at Park House School on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Newbury's decision initially appeared justified as Brad Alton tore through Sonning's top order. Alton removed Charles Astwood (7), Shamitha Widanapathirana (7) and Jameel Ahamed (10) to leave the visitors struggling at 40-3.

Sahota then took control, crafting a determined 66 from 73 deliveries including five boundaries. His crucial 48-run partnership with Toby Fitton (14) for the seventh wicket proved vital as Sonning posted a competitive 143-9 from their allotted 40 overs. Brad Alton was the pick of the Newbury attack, finishing with impressive figures of 3-13 from his ten overs, including five maidens.

Newbury's reply began disastrously when Shahid Imtiaz dismissed Simon Digweed for a duck in the opening over. Imtiaz continued his excellent spell by removing Steve Bartlett (2) and Vikas Dange (14) to reduce the hosts to 24-3.

Captain Nick Kaxe (29) and Brad Alton (23) mounted a recovery with a 48-run stand for the fourth wicket, but Sahota's introduction to the attack changed the complexion of the match. The Sonning all-rounder claimed Kaxe's wicket with Michael Longridge taking the catch, before Matthew Calhoum completed a smart stumping to dismiss Alton off Sahota's bowling.

With Newbury's middle order collapsing, Sahota continued his demolition job, claiming three more wickets to finish with outstanding figures of 5-26. Only David Herdman offered resistance with an unbeaten 17 as Jameel Ahamed wrapped up proceedings by dismissing Jimmy Herdman, helping bowl Newbury out for 98 in 31.4 overs.

The victory was sealed when Sahota claimed his fifth wicket, with Calhoum completing his second stumping to dismiss Steve Smith for 2, capping a superb individual performance that saw him contribute significantly with both bat and ball to secure a comfortable win for Sonning.