Match Preview
Following an opening matchday stalemate, the Women’s 1st XI host Hertfordshire Women this Sunday in the 2nd round of fixtures. The two T20s will once again be hosted by Wokingham CC where we have played all our T20 cricket this summer.
Hertfordshire’s opening day saw them slip to two defeats to Wiltshire who now sit top of the T20 group. Game 1 saw Wiltshire post 147/6 before Hertfordshire finished on 114/9 after their 20 overs. Game 2 saw Hertfordshire win the toss and bat first, posting 121/8 which Wiltshire then chased two wickets down in 15 overs.
Berkshire have already faced Hertfordshire earlier this season in the 50 over Metro Bank One Day Cup. Berkshire finished the winners in that game by 6 wickets. Freya Johnson’s & Sarah Pearson’s new ball spell reduced Herts to 16/4 before spinner Shayna Chikhlia was introduced to dismiss the middle order. The runs were shared around with Iqraa Hussain top scoring (31*) and Naaz Asif Iqbal (24) making a good contribution on debut.
5 changes are made to the squad from the squad that faced Devon in Round 1. Batter, Ash Muttitt returns to the side along with all-rounder – Eliza Bristowe. Spinner, Naaz Asif Iqbal also returns to the squad having missed the last few games having been one of the standout performers with the ball in our T20 Cup run.
We also welcome back Francesca Sweet & Kali-Ann Docherty. With the formation of the Tiered system during the off-season, both Cesca & Kali-Ann having previously represented Berkshire Women were picked up by Tier 2 sides. Kali-Ann has spent the summer playing for Sussex having progressed through the Berkshire pathway. She has made 6 appearances across the 9 games Sussex have played, picking up 3 wickets as well as having the opportunity of playing at Lords Cricket Ground. Cesca who is currently studying at Loughborough University joined Leicestershire Women ahead of this summer. Since then, she has been an ever present in the Leicestershire side. Cesca has been the leading batter for the side, scoring 279 runs @ 35s across all competitions. A hard-hitting top order bat, Cesca has scored 3 half centuries with a strike rate of 115 while also contributing with the ball, picking up 9 wickets.
Head Coach, Tom Jackson said “Both players have sorted loan agreements for the remainder of the season, allowing them to return to represent Berkshire when playing commitments allow. Both players wanting to return to our side is a testament not only to them as individuals but also the environment the rest of the group create. Looking ahead to Sunday, the group will be looking to build on the platform we have set so far in T20 cricket with a strong set of performances against Hertfordshire.”
Last Time Out
To see how we got on in our last T20 outing, click here to read the last match report