1st XI vs Sulhamstead & Ufton

Malik's Five-Wicket Haul Sets Up Sonning Victory in Division 2B Clash

Adil Malik claimed an impressive five-wicket haul to restrict Sulhamstead & Ufton to 165-8 before a crucial late-order partnership secured Sonning a hard-fought victory at King George's Field on Saturday.

After Sulhamstead won the toss and elected to bat, Malik's 5-43 from 15 overs proved the difference as the visitors struggled to build momentum despite Aaron Briggs' patient 39 from 70 balls. Doug MacDonald provided late resistance with an unbeaten 38, helping Sulhamstead post 165-8 from their 52 overs.

Sonning's chase began shakily when captain Peter Higginbottom fell early for just 6, but Mohammed Zahid (42) and William Hibberdine (23) steadied the innings with a valuable 74-run partnership. Zahid's innings included eight boundaries before he became one of Rehaan Samdani's five victims.

The middle order collapse threatened to derail Sonning's chase as they slumped from 85-2 to 104-8, with Samdani (5-40) cutting through the batting order. Rob Mosely (5), Robert Jones (0), and Shenul Widanapathirana (0) all fell cheaply as Sulhamstead fought back.

Connor Wardlaw rescued the innings with a counter-attacking 40 from just 25 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. His crucial 56-run ninth-wicket partnership with Adil Malik (14 not out) transformed the match, taking Sonning to the brink of victory.

Stuart Hornby eventually removed Wardlaw with Sonning needing just six more runs, but Malik remained composed alongside Bobby Malik to guide the home side to a nail-biting one-wicket win in the 37th over.

The victory strengthens Sonning's position in Division 2B of the Thames Valley Cricket League, with Adil Malik earning praise for his all-round contribution – following his five-wicket haul with the crucial late-innings batting that helped secure the win.