Mahmood magic keeps Bracknell top

Sportsdesk Shakila Barabhuiya • Published 5 Aug 2010 14:30 0 Comments

BRACKNELL were on the winning end of a draw in their top of the table clash against OMT despite posting a massive target and a record fourth wicket partnership.

Hafiz Mahmood was the star performer with the bat hitting a tremendous 186 not out as Bracknell reached an impressive 323-2 off 49 overs.

Reaching such an imposing target was always going to be tough for the opposition, who sat just six points below them ahead of the Division 5a clash.

Bracknell were two wickets short of victory and skipper Ian Caffell believes they could have won the match if they had held on to chances in the field.

He said: "Paul Dewick (5-69) produced an extremely good spell of bowling and Will Richards almost produced a match winning effort to clean out the tail, but some indisciplined fielding and a few drop chances cost us a much deserved victory."

OMT finished 116 runs short of the target reaching 207-8 off 51 overs, taking just six points from the encounter.

Bracknell were 20-2 before Mahmood and David Williams set a new club record of 299 for a fourth wicket partnership with Williams making 105 not out.

It has been at least 30 years since any Bracknell side has had two centurions at home and captain Caffell declared: "Our two centurions were awesome.

"Hafiz was at his belligerent best, his 186 not out including 11 sixes and 20 fours.

"David Williams, who has been absent for most of the season, enjoyed his 105 not out in much the same manner."

He added: "To score 323 in 49 overs took any chance of victory away from OMT.

"An earlier declaration might of gained us a few extra overs but with perfect batting conditions and a very benign pitch, bowling out any team was always going to be very tough.

"It was almost maximum points but in the end we had to settle for a winning draw."

Bracknell travel to bottom side Hillingdon this Saturday and welcome back Warren Tucker, Mark Binfield and John Bray.

"We will go with the same attitude we take into all games, that is, to dominate and win," declared Caffell.

"Looking at the stats and recent performances, it may look academic but we have to continue to put in back-to-back performances right till the end of the season.

"My job now is to make sure every player stays focused and doesn't fall into complacency."

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