1st XI vs Sulhamstead & Ufton

Zahid and Peshkar Star as Sonning Cruise to Seven-Wicket Victory Over Sulhamstead

Sonning CC 1st XI secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory against Sulhamstead & Ufton in their Division 2A league fixture at King George's Field on Saturday. After dismissing the visitors for 193, Sonning chased down the target with relative ease, powered by Mohammed Zahid's magnificent 85.

Sulhamstead & Ufton won the toss and elected to bat first, with opener Mubarak Tahir anchoring their innings with a well-constructed 60 off 83 balls, including eight boundaries and a six. Tahir formed two crucial partnerships - adding 38 for the first wicket with captain Marc Thompson (14) and 69 for the second wicket with Ashan Lokuketiya (20).

Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha led Sonning's bowling attack with impressive figures of 3-36 from his 11 overs. The Longridge duo also made significant contributions, with Michael claiming 2-25 and Daniel taking 2-47. Sonning wicketkeeper Connor Wardlaw had an exceptional day behind the stumps, completing three stumpings to dismantle Sulhamstead's middle order.

Sonning suffered an early setback in their chase when Wardlaw was bowled by Doug MacDonald for 10 in the opening overs. However, this brought together the match-winning partnership between Dhruv Peshkar and Mohammed Zahid, who added a commanding 115 runs for the second wicket.

Peshkar played the supporting role with a solid 47 off 71 deliveries, including nine boundaries, before falling to A Saswade. Zahid was the standout performer, striking 14 fours and a six in his brilliant 85 from 90 balls. When Zahid was eventually caught off F Mercer's bowling with Sonning on 177, the outcome was virtually assured.

Muhammad Ayub (31 not out) and Sid Anilkumar (12 not out) saw Sonning comfortably home with an unbroken 19-run partnership, reaching the target in just 35.5 overs. The victory further strengthens Sonning's position in the Division 2A table.

Sulhamstead & Ufton's bowlers struggled to contain Sonning's batsmen, with only Doug MacDonald, F Mercer and A Saswade managing to take a wicket each. Despite earning four batting bonus points and two bowling bonus points, the visitors will be disappointed with their overall performance, particularly their inability to post a more challenging total after winning the toss.