REDDITCH CC suffered a narrow three-wicket defeat at Astwood Bank to remain winless in their opening two Worcestershire County League Premier Division matches.
The home side were bowled out for 187 as Astwood Bank reached the required total in 48.3 overs for the loss of seven wickets at Redditch Cricket, Hockey and Rugby Club.
Captain Waqar Ahmed top scored for Redditch with 43 whilst Haleem Basharatt (27) and Russell Southwick (25) were the only other batters to pass the 20-run mark.
And Redditch looked well-placed to win after reducing Astwood Bank to 57-4 only for the visitors to put on 97 runs for their fifth wicket to take control.
Astwood opener Tom Pedley scored 53 and helped his side reach the target with nine balls to spare despite Waqas Ali taking (3-52).
Redditch’s 2nd XI were also beaten as they lost by nine wickets to Avoncroft CC as their opponents produced a near flawless batting display in Division Three.
Avoncroft won the toss and elected to field as Redditch posted a score of 306-6 from their 50 overs with captain Asif Mukhtar top scoring with 76 which included 13 boundaries.
And Haris Ali Mohammed finished on 56 not out whilst openers Luke Davis and Thomas Phelan both scored 34.
However, Avoncroft made light work of the run chase after a remarkable knock of 200 not out from Alex Brunt which included 24 fours and 13 sixes and reached the required total in 34.2 overs.
Lastly, Redditch’s 3rd XI secured a six-wicket friendly win against Enville CC, Staffs after their opponents reached 152-7 from 40 overs and the away side reached the total in 25 overs for the loss of four wickets.
Faheen Shahid scored the majority of Redditch’s runs with 107 not out, which included 15 fours, whilst Kevin Lokenath and Zaheer Ahmed both took two wickets apiece.
Redditch’s 1st XI are next in action away at Old Hill CC on Saturday, April 30 with the game set to begin at 12pm (midday) at Haden Hill Ground.
And Redditch’s 2nd XI are also in action as they host the same opponents 2nd XI on home soil on the same day at the same time.
