Greenwood Park secured an impressive 64-run first-day win over Wheathampstead II’s.

The home victory starts Greenwood’s season in perfect fashion as they look to continue their fantastic form from last year.

Having been put into bat, Park could only post 141-8 from their 50 overs, with Greenwood struggling to gain any real momentum on a tricky pitch with an exceptionally slow outfield (there were only six boundaries in their innings).

Despite this, there were solid efforts from Ed Gray (20) and debutant Numan Butt (21) who helped push Park’s total towards a respectable figure, but it was former Captain Sam Nash who made the most telling contribution.

Coming in at five down, Nash made a resolute 30 not out with some quick singles and opportune twos that provided Park with a total they could defend.

With the ball, the home side got off to a rusty start and initially it looked like Greenwood’s score would not be enough.

But once in the groove, Arslan Khan and Ajmal Hussain started exerting excellent control on the Wheathampstead openers and both claimed a wicket to give their side a chance of victory.

It was then over to Mubarek Zeb and Ali Sherazi who ran riot on the opposition middle and late order.

Zeb finished with a terrific 3-20 from his eight overs – including two in two balls – but it was Sherazi who stole the show.

The quick bowler delivered a mighty spell of fast bowling, ending up with an astonishing 5-9 from 9.3 overs.

It continues Sherazi’s fine form from the last campaign – in his last two league games he has figures of 7-16 from 17.3 overs.

Next weekend Park travel to Harpenden IV’s as they look to build on their opening day win.

Ali Getting in The Zone