Surrey CCC VI team began the Blind Cricket England and Wales League with a win at Berkshire
Baking sunshine greeted Surrey’s Visually Impaired team’s first outing in the restructured Blind Cricket England & Wales league as they made the short trip to Berkshire Stags.
Winning the toss, Surrey Skipper Stuart Ralph invited the hosts to bat first a decision that was quickly rewarded with John Woodford taking 2 for 13 in four overs, before two quick run outs put Surrey well on top. Paul Fisher (39) and Geoff Smith (35) lead a Berkshire recovery however when Fisher was also run out a below par total was almost evitable. Impressively accurate bowling from Surrey’s pair of B1’s (totally blind) Amit Amin (1-13) and Hassan Khan (1-20) ensured there was no counter attack and it was left to Lois Turner to wrap up with 3-28 and leaving Berkshire on 142 all out.
Surrey got off to a flying start in their reply, with openers Ralph and Turner smashing 45 from the first 5 overs. Turner then ignited the after-burners and took 24 from the 7th over ensuring she reached 50 first (and was required to retire). In the following over Ralph also reached 50 (and retired) enabling Hassan Khan and Hari Kumrai to complete the job, which Kumai did with another swept four to complete the Surrey win in the 11th over.
Congratulations to the Surrey VI team, who next week face Hampshire in the South & West T20 Quarter Final at Frimley CC.