Preston continue winning ways
Darwen pro Mohammad Zaman Khan about to be caught and bowled by Bilal Asad |
Twenty20 Cup holders Preston continued their winning ways with a six wickets win over Darwen at West Cliff as they prepare to host Finals Day on Sunday 25 July.
Bilal Asad's side continued their winning sequence in South Two group in the Latham Baxendale Twenty20 Cup, earning their fifth win in as many games.
Darwen struggled to 89 for 9 on a slow-paced pitch with only skipper John Cordingley making much headway. Recovered from a broken finger Cordingley struck a fluent unbeaten 25.
The damage was inflicted early as Darwen lost in-form pro Mohammad Zaman Khan, superbly caught and bowled by Bilal Asad for 6 and then talented teenager Alex Davies who was unluckily run out when Jonty McDonald deflected a Jordan Clarke shot onto the stumps at the non-striker's end.
That ill-fortune set the tone for the innings as Darwen's batsmen were contained by the varied array of Preston bowling.
Darwen's Alex Davies faces up to Preston pro Bilal Asad |
Spinner Atul Sachdeva continued his fine form in the competition, taking three for 16.
McDonald, Bilal Asad and Andy Roberts each conceded less than four runs per over while Adam Parker weighed in with two for nine. The Preston pro and captain Bilal Asad pulled off a superb one-handed catch to dismiss Jordan Clarke while stand-in wicketkeeper Anthony Rutlidge claimed three victims.
Preston wicketkeeper Anthony Rutlidge claimed three victims including Niall Burke |
Darwen fought hard in the field with Kamran Anwar, Yakub Bhamji, Mohammad Zaman Khan and Niall Burke all bowling tightly.
Davies fielded superbly, taking two catches and running out Yasin Patel.
But Sajid Patel hit 32 off 34 balls, David Fisher 24 off 28 balls and Preston reached their target with seven balls to spare.
Preston allrounder Jonty McDonald fields off his own bowling |
Preston complete their fixtures in South Two group when they visit Leyland on Thursday (8 July).
On the same day Kendal host Barrow in North One.
Netherfield, Blackpool and Preston have already qualified for Finals Day.
The remaining semi-final place will be determined after Lancaster host Morecambe at Lune Road in North Two group on Friday 9 July.
Results
Preston v Darwen
Preston won by 6 wickets
Darwen 89 for 9 (A Sachdeva 3 for 16), Preston 90 for 4
