Wilson leads Warriors fightback at The Mardyke

Josh Wilson claimed four wickets before Hassan Shahid and James Smallwoods led a strong reply as the Emerging Warriors enjoyed an encouraging opening day against Munster Heat at The Mardyke. 

Munster were dismissed for 225 in 59.5 overs, with Josh returning four for 48 from 11 overs. The Warriors then reached 138 for three at the close, leaving them 87 runs behind with seven wickets remaining.

Wilson made an impact after Munster chose to bat, removing Awais Saghir for four and Dineth Sumanasinghe for seven to reduce the hosts to 26 for two.

Sunil Gautam attempted to rebuild with 18, but Hassan Shahid ended his stay during a superb spell of one for 10 from 10 overs, including three maidens.

Captain Thorne Prophet provided the backbone of the Munster innings, striking seven fours and a six in a well-constructed 56. He added useful runs with Zubair Khalid before the latter was run out for 12. 

Sam Haslett eventually accounted for Thorne and later removed Ayan Ullah, who made an important 52 from 81 deliveries. Scott Macbeth dismissed Shinde, while Mark Robinson wrapped up the innings by removing Mark Donnelly for 13.

The Warriors lost Mo Hussain for 14 early in reply, but Shahid and Smallwoods steadied the innings with an excellent second-wicket partnership of 83.

Brigade batsman Smallwoods struck four fours and a six in his 45 before falling to Mark Donnelly with the score on 102. Ballyspallen opener Shahid followed soon afterwards for a composed 46 from 90 balls, having hit three boundaries.

Luke Marillier and Scott Macbeth then safely negotiated the closing stages, adding an unbroken 23. Macbeth finished unbeaten on 19 from 26 deliveries, including a four and a six, while Marillier was 10 not out.

With seven wickets intact, the Warriors will resume looking to erase the deficit and build a decisive lead, although the draw looks the best bet in the two-day encounter.