Rush kept their faint survival hopes alive by claiming a welcome first victory of the season, overpowering Civil Service by 84 runs in a high-scoring contest.

While the win may ultimately prove too late to prevent relegation, it at least provided encouragement after a difficult campaign and ensured Rush remain mathematically in the fight.

Batting first, Rush amassed an imposing 339 for seven from their 50 overs. Alex Neary and Finn McGee laid a solid foundation with an opening stand of 83, making 43 and 36 respectively.

Jack McGee then accelerated with an excellent 61 from 63 balls, striking 11 fours and a six. The decisive innings came from Abidullah Taniwal, who hammered 86 from only 69 deliveries, including 12 fours and three sixes.

Taniwal and McGee added 155 for the fourth wicket to put Rush firmly in control. Hashir Sultan provided further late impetus with 31 from 17 balls, while Nasir Totakhil finished unbeaten on 15.

Asher Abbasi supplied a spectacular finish, striking two sixes from the only two deliveries he faced. Zaman Safi claimed three wickets for Civil Service, although he conceded 72 runs.

Civil Service were quickly reduced to one for one in reply, but Edson Silva made 33 before Rush struck three times to leave the visitors 69 for four.

Arjun Chandrasekar then launched a spirited counterattack, scoring 95 from 80 deliveries with 14 fours and four sixes. He added 89 with Ramgokul Srinivasan, who contributed 27, to briefly revive the chase.

However, regular wickets kept Rush in command. Zaman Safi made a brisk 27, but Civil Service lost their final four wickets for seven runs and were dismissed for 255.

Allan Eastwood and Nasir Totakhil took three wickets apiece, while Neary claimed two for 38 as Rush celebrated their first league success.