23/07/2026
Match report:
Aylesbury Pakistanis were restricted to 224 all out thanks to a disciplined bowling display from IAS. On debut, Ahmad Ali impressed with excellent pace and control, immediately showing his quality. Throughout the innings, every bowler stuck to their plans and ensured Aylesbury Pakistanis were never able to break away and post the commanding total they were aiming for. Paarth Thakur was particularly economical, applying pressure with a superb spell that kept the scoring in check.
Despite Qadeer Hussain making a patient 64 and surviving a few chances, IAS continued to chip away with regular wickets. He was unable to accelerate in the closing stages and was eventually bowled by Waseem Khan, who produced an outstanding late spell.
At 192/5 with five overs remaining, Aylesbury Pakistanis looked set for a strong finish. However, the death bowling from Subhan Ul Haq and Waseem Khan completely changed the momentum. The pair claimed five wickets between them and conceded just 32 runs in the final five overs, bowling Aylesbury out for 224 and ensuring IAS entered the chase with the upper hand.
Chasing 225, IAS got off to the perfect start thanks to Atharv Yadav, who blasted a quick fire 46, including five sixes—two off Qadeer Hussain and three off Rehman Ullah Khan. Alimer Khan struck with his first ball to remove Yadav, but the momentum had already been established.
Usman Riaz then played a composed innings of 34 before Gordon Pope took control of the chase.
After a measured start, Gordon Pope shifted through the gears, putting the bowlers under immense pressure with timely boundaries and intelligent strike rotation. When Saqib Hussain was introduced in an attempt to swing the game back Aylesbury Pakistanis' way, Gordon Pope responded by launching him for two towering sixes, leaving IAS firmly in command. His match-winning knock of 71 included five fours and three sixes.
Although Pope eventually departed, Paarth Thakur ensured there would be no late drama. His unbeaten 40 from just 26 balls combined responsibility with attacking intent, and he sealed the victory in style with back-to-back boundaries off Qadeer Hussain as IAS completed a convincing five-wicket win with three overs to spare.
IAS supporters were treated to an entertaining batting display throughout the chase. Atharv Yadav set the tone with five towering sixes, Gordon Pope added three more maximums and showcased some exquisite strokeplay throughout his match-winning innings and Paarth Thakur capped off the innings with an elegant unbeaten 40 featuring seven crisp boundaries.
A huge thank you to all our supporters for coming out and backing the team. We hope you enjoyed an entertaining afternoon of cricket, with plenty of attacking strokeplay and six-hitting from the IAS batsmen. Your fantastic support throughout the match is greatly appreciated. 💚💛🏏
