1st XI vs Reading

Bobby Malik's Six-Wicket Haul Secures Dominant Win for Sonning

Sonning 1st XI recorded a convincing victory against Reading in their Division 2B league encounter, dismissing the visitors for just 90 runs after posting 192-8 in their 52 overs. Bobby Malik was the standout performer with remarkable figures of 6-3 from 12 overs, including 9 maidens.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sonning's innings was anchored by Zahid Mohammed, who top-scored with a patient 42 from 81 deliveries. Peter Higginbottom provided a solid start with 34 runs, including seven boundaries, before falling to Jack Beaven. The pair of Mohammed and Higginbottom established a platform with a 36-run partnership for the second wicket.

Reading's bowlers maintained disciplined lines throughout, with captain Luke Beaven leading from the front with 3-30 from his 12 overs. Jack Beaven supported well with 2-19, while both Dylan Wood and Moin Khowaja claimed a wicket each. Despite the regular fall of wickets, Duncan Parr's enterprising 24 from 28 balls helped Sonning push towards a competitive total in the latter stages.

In reply, Reading's batsmen struggled to build momentum against a relentless Sonning attack. The visitors made a reasonable start with Pavandeep Chima striking four boundaries in his 19 before being caught off Dion Laban-Jeffries with the score at 23. Waqas Ahmed (13) and Niraj Deshpande (13) offered brief resistance, but the innings unraveled rapidly after their departures.

Bobby Malik's spell proved decisive as he systematically dismantled Reading's middle and lower order with a masterclass in accurate bowling. His figures of 6-3 from 12 overs represented one of the most economical bowling performances of the season. Zahid Mohammed complemented Malik's efforts with miserly figures of 1-16 from his 12 overs, maintaining pressure from both ends.

Only Dylan Wood, batting at number 10, showed any aggressive intent for Reading, hitting three boundaries in his 14 before becoming Malik's sixth victim. Moin Khowaja remained unbeaten on 4 from 37 deliveries, but could only watch as Laban-Jeffries completed the job by bowling Aditiya Srinivasan to dismiss Reading for 90 in 42.1 overs.

The 102-run victory strengthens Sonning's position in Division 2B of the Thames Valley Cricket League, with Bobby Malik's exceptional bowling performance undoubtedly the highlight of a comprehensive team display.