A superb performance by new recruit Shahid Khan inspired Ticknall 1st XI to a 61 run victory over Rolleston in their Abbey Glass Division One encounter at The Grange.
Invited to bat, Ticknall captain Luke Harvey (19) and John Thompstone (12) had carefully reached 39 after fourteen overs but within four deliveries Harvey lost his leg stump to a Graham Dent in-swinger and Thompstone suffered a similar fate, falling victim to Luke Nelson (3 for 52).
Woody Bridgeman and Shahid replaced the openers and the former, taking the aerial route, was fortunate to survive dropped catches at both mid-on and slips prior to snicking Nelson to wicket-keeper Mat Ford. At the other end Shahid grew in confidence and, despite losing Ryan Cowley (14) in the 39th over, reached his half-century in just 66 deliveries with a trademark towering six over long-on. There was little chance to rest in peace as he smashed another six over mid-wicket into the adjacent churchyard. Shahid (67) finally succumbed to a John Thompson catch at mid-on off the persistent Dent (3 for 47), his entertaining innings including five fours and four sixes.
At 179 for 5, and just six overs remaining, an impressive knock from Jack Lamb (21 n.o.) and a bludgeoning cameo by Australian Sam Jubba (31 off 15 balls) ensured a challenging target of 226 for 7.
Rolleston’s reply suffered an inauspicious start when Paul Allen edged an express out-swinger from Shahid to a grateful Rupert Scott-Jones at gulley. The ever watchful Gareth Marshall (4) showed great application but notched just one scoring shot in his nine over occupation, Shahid claiming him lbw. Aafan Janjua narrowly escaped two flashes through slips and, having lost Nigel West shouldering arms to another exocet from Shahid, opted to concentrate his efforts on survival.
However, the middle order offered little support, Graham Chamberlain (2 for 10), Zac Lucas and Jubba all exercising the umpire’s index finger. Janjua continued to impress, reaching his fifty in 65 balls. The ‘Ticknall Torpedo’ returned to the fray and demolished Rolleston’s tail despite gritty displays by Nelson (11) and Dent (13). The battling Janjua was eventually removed by Luke Harvey’s third sharp catch in the slips, almost inevitably off the bowling of Shahid (6 for 25). His two and a half hours at the crease produced fourteen fours and one six, contributing 80 towards a total of 165 all out.
