3rd XI vs Reading Lions

Pera's 47 Shines for Sonning Before Rain Halts Play Against Reading Lions

Captain Arun Kumar Pera led from the front with a gritty 47 as Sonning 3rd XI posted 144-7 before their Division 8B league fixture against Reading Lions was abandoned due to rain at Reading Lions CC on 19th July.

Having lost the toss and been put into bat, Sonning suffered an early setback when opener Ethan Towner was caught by Ashok Lalwani off Murli Tikyani's bowling for a duck. Fellow opener Hassan Shah counter-attacked effectively, striking four boundaries in his 22 from just 23 deliveries before becoming Tikyani's second victim, caught by wicketkeeper Aroun Jayabalan.

Aseem Shafi provided stability in the middle order with a patient 26 from 49 balls, forming useful partnerships with Rahul Sood (16) and Pera to push Sonning beyond the 50-mark. Shiva Aruna proved effective for the hosts, removing both Shafi and Sood to leave Sonning at 77-4.

Pera's innings was the backbone of Sonning's effort, his 47 coming from 58 deliveries and including eight boundaries. The captain combined with Harrison Lott (7) for a crucial 37-run stand for the fifth wicket before Lott fell to Ashok Lalwani, who finished with impressive figures of 2-15 from his five overs, including two maidens.

Reading Lions' disciplined bowling attack shared the wickets around, with Tikyani (2-25), Aruna (2-22) and Lalwani (2-15) each claiming two victims. Santhosh Kumar (1-21) was economical, conceding just 3.5 runs per over during his six-over spell.

Sonning's innings concluded at 144-7 from 34 overs, with Daniel Edwards (6*) and Jameel Ahamed (0*) at the crease. The total included 20 extras, with nine byes and five leg byes contributing significantly to the tally.

Reading Lions, captained by Babu Loganathan, were unable to begin their run chase as rain intervened, forcing the match to be abandoned before the second innings could commence. Both teams received seven points each from the fixture, as per league regulations for abandoned matches.