On a relatively cooler day on Sunday 28th June 2026, Newdigate CC Sunday XI visited Abinger CC Sunday XI on a timed Friendly match at Abinger Sports Ground.
The visitors won the toss and decided to bat first. Despite losing the openers early, Newdigate Batters’ made their intentions clear by striking the ball all around the park, scoring at high rate. Redwan Ahmed (11) had a brief stay. Abinger was on top at the end of over 9. David Callcut kept his head down and played balls according to the merit. However, the momentum shifted to the 6th gear as Mohammad Ali entered the pitch as no 5 batter; he dispatched the very first ball he faced for a Six and the next 16 overs endured an onslaught from Ali who hit 9 boundaries and 8 sixes, racing to his maiden century in 48 balls. Callcut also upped the tempo as he hit 6 boundaries to score his 52. Newdigate’s total reached an astonishing 219 on the 27th over, Ali-Callcut partnership contributing 159 of those. The batters retired not out and the next few took the total to a handsome 243/4 in 34 overs as Newdigate completed their allocated 2 hours 30 minutes innings. Safwan Ahmed (15) remained not out.
The target for the hosts was to chase down 243 in one hour+20 overs batting, or to play for a draw.
In reply, Abinger started positively, scoring 68 runs in 12 overs in the opening partnership. Challenge was on and Ali entered the scene again, claiming aggressive Sam Solt’s (33) wicket with a ball that bounced sharply, took the edge from the gloves. The slide started from one end as Ian Kehl came to the party as he quickly snapped up 3 wickets from his 6 overs. Malcolm Burt (34) put up the resistance at one end. However, Ali started to run through the order with his pace and bounce to claim his first 5 wickets haul. With 8 wickets down scoring just under 100, Abinger concentrated on securing a draw. Safwan claimed one of the last two wickets on his return spell.
Abinger found a stubborn resistance in form of Pras Satyamoorthi (25 of 41 balls) who not only blocked solidly, but also kept scoring runs fluently. His sensible batting resurrected the hope for a draw for the Home team. His concentration eventually lapsed as he was trapped LBW by skipper Elahi and Newdigate secured the win with only 10 balls away from a draw.
Huge congratulations to Ali for his maiden century and a 5 wicket haul – what a performance! David Callcut’s timely half-century came in good time too. The match offers a special moment for Ian Kehl who registered his 100th wicket playing for Newdigate CC.