Former Pakistan internationals are no match for Leamington

Winning the toss, Leamington elected to bowl first on a difficult wicket and struck in the first over thanks to Tom Warner, who bowled excellently with the new ball.

Despite the early loss, Smethwick progressed serenely to 64 before the departures of Patel (30) and Akram (27) brought about a procession of wickets for Tom Lewis (11-3-50-6), including the prized dismissal of Yousuf (27).

Smethwick’s last two wickets added 50 to lift them from the depths of 130 for eight, before the return of Warner (11.2-4-24-3) sealed their demise.

Leamington were immediately under pressure in reply as Akram (17-4-40-1) and Kirnon (14.2-3-48-4) made batting very difficult for the away side.

At 79 for four, the match was firmly in the balance but Michael Balac played a match-winning innings of 76, putting on 60 with Lee Hopkins (29) to tip the match in Leamington’s favour.

However when both Balac and Hopkins were out, reducing Leamington to 148 for six, it required an unbeaten 28 from captain Rob Williams to see his team over the line.