1st XI vs Cookham Dean

Sonning Cruise to Victory with Destructive Run Chase Against Cookham Dean

Sonning CC 1st XI stormed to an impressive four-wicket victory over Cookham Dean in their Division 2A league fixture at King George's Field, successfully chasing down a target of 201 in just 28.2 overs after dismissing the visitors for 200.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Sonning's bowling attack was led by Mohammed Zahid, who claimed excellent figures of 4-34 from his 15 overs. The seamer removed Sohil Mangat (18) and Tejas Akavarapu (31) after they had put on 39 for the first wicket, before adding the scalps of Bayly Stawiarz (12) and Alfie Agar (9) to complete his four-wicket haul.

Bobby Malik provided crucial support with 3-33 from his 15 overs, while Ella Phillips chipped in with 2-43 and Daniel Longridge took 1-14. Cookham Dean's innings was boosted by Mohammad Ilyas, who made a well-constructed 43, and a late flurry from James le Fleming, who smashed 45 from just 33 deliveries including four sixes, helping the visitors reach 200 all out in their 52 overs.

Sonning's reply began at breakneck pace as captain Peter Higginbottom (32 from 27 balls) and wicketkeeper Connor Wardlaw put on 79 for the first wicket in quick time. Wardlaw was the star performer, hammering 68 from just 47 deliveries with 11 boundaries and a six, setting the perfect platform for the run chase.

Mohammed Zahid continued his fine all-round performance, contributing 33 from 33 balls with five boundaries to keep the momentum going. Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha added further impetus with a brisk 25 including a six, while Robert Jones (8 not out) helped steer Sonning home with more than 19 overs to spare.

For Cookham Dean, James le Fleming (2-53) and Finn Reid (2-39) were the pick of the bowlers, but they had no answer to Sonning's aggressive approach to the chase. Despite a late flurry of wickets that saw Sonning slip from 152-3 to 197-6, the home side's dominant batting display ensured they reached their target with minimal fuss.

The comprehensive victory maintains Sonning's strong position in the Thames Valley Cricket League Division 2A, while Cookham Dean will look to bounce back from a performance that showed promise with the bat but lacked penetration with the ball against Sonning's powerful batting lineup.