Kerala 1st 153 all out
Bashley (Rydal) 3rds 157 for 6
Bashley 3rds endured another seriously delayed journey to Porstmouth, due to the road closures on the M27. Kerala won the toss and in glorious sunshine they elected to bat first. They were soon in trouble against the impressive Bashley opening attack of Tom Harris (3 for 21) and James Edmonds (2 for 52). Wickets fell regularly and after 18 overs Kerala were struggling at 56 for 6. A partnership then developed between Kurian and Pradeesh which threatened a recovery. They had added 77 together in just 11 overs when Sam Laurent bowled the dangerous Kurian for 52. Laurent (3 for 25) bowled an excellent spell including the wicket of Pradeesh for 22. Two run outs ended the Kerala innings for a below par score of 153 at the start of the 35th over.
After tea, Bashley were soon in trouble against the Kerala opening bowler Pradeesh and were reduced to 24 for 2 after 6 overs. Saif Achakazai played an excellent counter attacking innings to regain the initiative for Bashley. The Kerala bowling wilted under this attack and they conceded 39 wides as the match slipped away from them. Pradeesh (3 for 42) took another wicket but Taylor (13) and Laurent (16 not out) provided support for Achakazai who continued to score freely. He remained not out 64 at the end as Bashley ran out comfortable winners by 4 wickets in the 31st over.
Saif Achakzai – 64 not out
