CRICKET: KENILWORTH Wardens signaled their intent to win this year’s Harlequins Logistics T20 Floodlit Cup on home soil with a 35-run victory over Berkswell.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Wardens though as a mid-order batting collapse threatened to reduce the home side to less than 180 – a score considered below par given the tight boundary.
Wardens batted first and were boosted by the presence of big hitting Harry Johnson, who added 17 runs from just eight balls.
Fellow opener Ben Rex chipped in with a patient 34 while overseas batsman Prerak Mankad starred with 46 runs from just 19 balls.
The Indian’s aggressive style helped Wardens’ total quickly hit the 90s before the six over powerplay had ended.
With a score of 250 on the cards, Berkswell introduced Mohammed (23/2) and James (23/2) to steady the run rate.
With no powerplay available, Wardens started to struggle as wickets fell at regular intervals with Wood (2), Donald (1), and McCreath (1) all falling cheaply.
Brammer (20) and Sale (19) helped to keep the scoreboard ticking as Wardens passed 150, but a crucial knock of 26* from Anwar guided the home side to 195/9 from their 20 overs.
A depleted Berkswell side lost an early wicket in reply as Mohammed (0) was caught for a duck.
Whitlock (41) abd Sidiqkhil (42) advanced the score along as Berkswell looked likely to gain something from the opening match of the tournament – which runs until Friday night.
Former Warwickshire all rounder Nick James added 19 from 18 balls as Berkswell started to fall behind the run rate, which led to more chances being taken.
Perry-Odgen starred with a quick fire 30, but Wardens proved too strong as Trivedi (15/3) and Mankad (31/3) helped restrict Berkswells to only 160.
The tournament continues tonight as Leamington take on Berkswell at 5.30pm before Wardens face Knowle and Dorridge at 8pm.
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