1st XI vs Binfield

Ayub's Half-Century Not Enough as Sonning Fall to Binfield in League Opener

Sonning 1st XI suffered a disappointing start to their Thames Valley Cricket League Division 2A campaign, falling to a five-wicket defeat against Binfield at King George's Field. Despite Muhammad Ayub's impressive 83, Sonning's total of 208 proved insufficient as Sam Kennett's unbeaten 64 guided the visitors to victory.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sonning made a solid start with captain Peter Higginbottom and Connor Wardlaw putting on 53 for the first wicket. However, both fell in quick succession to Christopher Emes, who finished with figures of 3-25. Mohammed Zahid followed shortly after, also falling to Emes, leaving Sonning at 56-3.

Ayub's counter-attacking innings proved the backbone of Sonning's total, striking 13 boundaries and one six in his 74-ball 83. He forged useful partnerships, including 40 runs with Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha (11) and 28 with Robert Jones (2), before eventually falling to Jack Collett, caught by Darren Butler with the score at 189-7.

Binfield's bowling attack showed discipline despite conceding 41 extras, with Sam Kennett (3-46), Christopher Emes (3-25) and Jack Collett (2-20) sharing eight wickets between them. Some late resistance from Daniel Longridge (7) helped Sonning reach 208 before they were dismissed in the 40th over.

In reply, Binfield lost Muhammad Basit early to Daniel Longridge for 12, but Dan Humphrey (40) provided stability at the top of the order. After Darren Butler fell cheaply to Peter Higginbottom for 7, Humphrey and Chris Morgan constructed a crucial 43-run partnership before Humphrey was caught by Connor Wardlaw off Longridge's bowling.

The match-defining partnership came from Morgan and Kennett, who added 95 runs for the fourth wicket. Morgan played fluently for his 58 before falling to Hatib Khan with the target in sight. Kennett remained unbeaten on 64, steering Binfield home in the 42nd over despite Hatib Khan picking up Zach French (7) to finish with figures of 2-25.

Sonning's bowling attack struggled to make consistent inroads despite economical spells from Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha (0-33 from 10 overs) and Mohammed Zahid (0-50 from 10 overs). Daniel Longridge was the pick of the bowlers with 2-29, but Binfield's measured chase ensured they claimed victory with more than eight overs to spare.