Women’s 1st XI Secure Second Metro Bank One Day Cup Victory
Berkshire Women’s 1st XI returned to Metro Bank One Day Cup action on Sunday with an impressive bonus-point victory over Wiltshire at Potterne Cricket Club to record their second win of the campaign.
Playing at a venue renowned for its short boundaries, Berkshire were asked to bat first after losing the toss. Openers Alex Avoth and Naaz Asif Iqbal made an assured start, putting on 46 for the first wicket before Avoth was dismissed for a fluent 30.
Naaz continued to anchor the innings, combining with Ashneet Chahal to build a strong platform. The pair added valuable runs as Berkshire moved to 142/2, with Naaz reaching an excellent 56 and Chahal contributing 37.
With wickets in hand, Berkshire looked to accelerate through the middle and latter stages of the innings. However, Wiltshire stuck to their task well, claiming regular wickets to halt the momentum. Berkshire were eventually bowled out for 218 in the 45th over, setting the hosts a competitive target.
In reply, Berkshire’s bowlers immediately applied pressure, showing excellent discipline with the new ball to restrict Wiltshire throughout the powerplay. The visitors reached the first drinks break on 72/2 after 17 overs, with Mary Briscoe leading the way with figures of 2/36 from her seven overs, while Freya Johnson produced another economical spell, returning 1/17 from seven overs.
The introduction of spin after the interval proved decisive. Berkshire’s young U16 duo of Naaz Asif Iqbal and Immi Storrar ripped through the Wiltshire middle and lower order, combining to take 7 wickets for just 41 runs in 15.3 overs. Naaz finished with outstanding figures of 4/22, while Storrar claimed 3/19 as Wiltshire were dismissed for 140.
The 78-run victory secured Berkshire a second bonus-point win of the Metro Bank One Day Cup season and moves them into third place in the table behind the unbeaten Staffordshire and Devon.
Attention now turns to another important home fixture as Berkshire welcome fourth-placed Cheshire to Binfield Cricket Club on Sunday 26th July.