Extraordinary victory for men’s 2nd XI

August 31, 2023

SUFFOLK 2nd XI pulled off an extraordinary one-wicket victory over Buckinghamshire in their three-day friendly at Sudbury CC.

After being set 310 to win, Suffolk were staring down the barrel at defeat when they slumped to 68 for 7 in their second innings on Thursday.

Henry Bevan and Connor Cobbold then came together to add 229 for the eighth wicket to put Suffolk in touching distance of a remarkable turnaround.

Bevan, who plays for Woolpit, was then dismissed for 126 off 101 balls with eight fours and ten sixes.

Skipper Paddy Sadler was dismissed without further addition to the total, meaning Suffolk still required 13 when last man George Bennett walked to the wicket.

Bennett, who made two not out from 11 deliveries, and Cobbold chipped away at their target, before Cobbold scrambled a two from a mis-field off the fifth ball of the 70th over.

The Mildenhall wicket-keeper-batter, who made his debut for Suffolk 1st XI in a T20 double-header at Lincolnshire earlier this season, ended undefeated on 113 from 154 deliveries, striking 16 fours and two sixes.

Bucks, who won the toss and elected to bat, had scored 350 all out in their first innings, with Hamad Arshad claiming 4 for 91.

Suffolk then replied with 226 all out, Ishaan Rakesh top-scoring with 83 and Hamad Arshad making 46.

That meant Suffolk trailed by 124 on first innings, before dismissing their visitors for 185 second time around, George Heldreich, George Bennett and Hamad Arshad each taking two wickets.

Skipper Sadler, who led the side on his home ground, said: “It was a fantastic effort over three days from a young team, and I was particularly impressed by the innings from Ishaan Rakesh in the first innings which helped get us within striking distance of the Bucks score, as well as the consistency of the three young spinners Hamad Arshad, Ollie Burle and Archie Miller throughout both innings.“We were delighted with our fightback on day two and felt we had a chance going in to the final day as the wicket was still good, but obviously things looked very difficult at 68 for 7.
“The partnership between Henry and Connor was of the highest quality and it was fantastic to see two players play their way, back themselves, and pull off such an incredible chase.

“Both guys played superbly and it’s one of those finishes that nobody who saw it will ever forget.”

Suffolk had defeated Bucks by 88 runs in a three-day fixture at High Wycombe last month, and Sadler said the experience from these matches was invaluable to the development of young players.
“Hopefully the experience over three days will provide a springboard for the young players to learn from and work on their games over the winter, and continue to push for county honours next summer,” he added.

Connor Cobbold (left) and Henry Bevan (right) pose in front of the scoreboard after their match-winning partnership.

Scorecard

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