Exiles picked up their 12th win of the 2025 season courtesy of an emphatic 206 run victory over West Wimbledon at Dundonald Rec.

Batting first a fine 86 run stand in just over 12 overs between the returning Zaheer (53 retired not out), and Saeed (28) got the Exiles of to a brisk start before 3 quick wickets looked to have checked the Exiles progress as they were reduced to 94 for 3 with experienced opposition captain Dilshad taking 2 wickets in a fine spell of 2 for 24.

There then followed a nostalgic 75 run partnership at a run a ball between Andy (32) and Simon (51 retired not out) which reaffirmed Exiles dominant position to 169 for 3 in the 27th over.

When Andy gloved the returning opener behind and Simon retired after reaching fifty, West Wimbledon were then faced with an onslaught from Nadeem (54 not out) and Asad – reduced to number 8 in the order for this match in a wicket keeper batter role – of 77 in 7 overs with 7 sixes. Captain KK then had a tiring 0 not out off zero deliveries running at the non-strikers end to help Nadeem to fifty.

Exiles closed on a very strong 262 for 5 off their 35 overs on a pitch that was still damp an offering some at times extremely variable bounce.

The West Wimbledon top order was then blown away in response as Phil took advantage of the conditions with a fine 3 for 2 – with no runs off the bat – and Waleed picked up one courtesy of a sharp catch by Simon who also enacted a direct hit run out. The game was over at 8 for 5.

KK’s spin accounted for a further 2 wickets and at the other end Nadeem broke Naren’s record for most Exiles wickets in a season – which has stood since 1999 – with his 40th and 41st wickets. All that was left was for Andy to bowl 3 full tosses which were easily smashed to the boundary by Wimbledon’s top scorer Bartlett (36), before one was finally landed on the actual pitch and immediately brought a first Exiles wicket of the season from the former opening bowler.

So Wimbledon were all out for 56 and Exiles picked up a fifth win on the bounce with what was actually an excellent team performance, albeit with West Wimbledon not having their strongest line up available.

Next Exiles travel to Hilly Fields in Brockley to face Millfields.