Yahya Khan took 5 for 20 to help the Exiles to an excellent 6 wicket win against Wimbledon Corinthians at a busy Wandsworth Park.

In warm sunny conditions Exiles, after some debate, chose to bowl, but Wimbledon raced out of the blocks – looking on their way to 300 at one point as they reached 92 without loss before Yahya won a marginal lbw decision.

Thereafter Exiles reigned in Wimbledon very well – often hitting the stumps – as the opposition were bowled out for 177.

Exiles batters faced a barrage of bouncers on the fast and erratic surface in reponse and despite most being hit at some point, the chase was an excellent one – mainly thanks to former skipper Bernard with 92 not out, supported by Shahid and Andy.

Three wins in a row and onto Kings Road next week.

A fine 67 not out from Ajmal Safi took the Exiles to a seven wicket win over Karnataka at the King Georges Playing Fields on Sunday.

Exiles won the toss and chose to bowl again and with 3 wickets for Siyar, and 2 each for Yahya, Ajmal and the returning Hasan, Karnataka were restricted to 144 all out.

Exiles raced home in reply with Ajmal leading the way, supported by captain Shahid, Bernard and Yahya.

Southern Railway & Kenley next Sunday at Wandsworth Park.

Exiles picked up their first victory of 2023 with a fine 9 wicket victory against Riverbank Ramblers at Barn Elms.

Exiles critically won the toss and chose to bowl and after miserly spells from Naren and Masie it was Phil with 4 for 18 who really tore into the home sides batting line up on the inconsistent surface. With further wickets for Siyar and 2 for Ajmal, Riverside were dismissed for 86.

After the early loss of Ajmal, it was Keith (23no) and Yahya (a belligerent 47no) that took the Exiles home in excellent time.

A fine response after last week. A third successive new opposition next week – Karnataka at King Georges Playing Fields.

Exiles’ 2023 season started belatedly with a disappointing 8 wicket defeat away at new opposition Ewell.

On choosing to bat, the Exiles top order dug in, but founds runs hard to come by on the early season track, with Keith (19) and skipper Shahid (14) in particular doing their best to help the Exiles amass a competitive score.

Once they were dismissed there wasn’t much to follow – with only Yahya reaching double figures – as the Exiles subsided to 74 all out.

In reply, 74 didn’t prove to be anywhere near enough, despite a wicket on debut for Anil Pappu and a caught & bowled from Masie, as Ewell completed the win in 22.1 overs.

On to Riverbank Ramblers next week at Barn Elms.