Inverurie pulled off a superb run chase to defeat Grammar by five wickets in a high-scoring contest at Rubislaw.
Aberdeen Grammar batted first and posted a formidable total of 277/7 in 40 overs, thanks to a stunning 100 off 51 balls from Rasib Bashir, who dominated the innings with 8 fours and 9 sixes. Robert Swiergon (74 off 64) provided valuable support, while extras contributed significantly to the total.
Despite the competitive target, Inverurie paced their chase brilliantly, reaching 280/5 in 38.1 overs. Jordan Thom (93 off 56)* anchored the innings with powerful stroke play, while Trevor Norval (61 off 50) and George Hadden (55 off 82) laid the foundation. Inverurie secured victory with 1.5 overs to spare, in what was an excellent game of cricket.
Grammar fielded a strong team featuring: Rasib Bashir, Swaraj Desai, Agha Haider, Malyar Ibrahimikhel, Hasnain Javaid, Harshavardhan Mailari, Geoff Morrison, Tom Murray, Michael Nattrass, Prasanth Poosappadi, and Robert Swiergon. They continued to be without Alex Keith, Harry Mapplebeck and Hassan through injury.
Aberdeen Grammar got off to a solid start, with captain Agha Haider (21 off 39) providing stability to Rasib Bashir’s electric batting. A middle order wobble was corrected by a goofd partnership between Swiergon and Murray, and while 277 should be a winning total, it likely should have been a few more. The highlight was Rasib Bashir’s breathtaking century, which saw him dismantle Inverurie’s bowling attack with aggressive shot-making. His ability to find gaps and clear the boundary made him nearly unstoppable and it was a surprise when he fell 1st ball after drinks in the 16th over aiming something violent at Jessiman and being stumped.
Robert Swiergon (74 off 64) played a crucial supporting role, maintaining momentum and striking 12 fours and a six. Hasnain Javaid (25 off 28) and Tom Murray (17 off 36) chipped in, while extras, including 27 wides, boosted the total.
For Inverurie, John Jessiman (3/30 in 6 overs) starred with the ball, knocking over Grammar’s middle order. Chris Watson nipped in with (2/33 in 4 overs) and removed Swiergon while George Hadden (1/57) and Jordan Thom (1/42) picked up a wicket each.
Inverurie’s response was well-measured, led by Jordan Thom (93 off 56)*, who unleashed a flurry of boundaries, hammering 10 fours and 5 sixes. Openers Trevor Norval (61 off 50) and George Hadden (55 off 82) gave a strong start, rotating the strike efficiently while a late surge from Fraser Lawrance (27 off 19) ensured Inverurie crossed the line comfortably, securing a well-paced run chase. Grammar will have been disappointed with their bowling but ultimately it still took some excellent batting to win the game, only Chris Watson from the top 5 not registering a telling score.
Hasnain Javaid (2/68 in 7 overs) led the attack with key breakthroughs but took some punishment from Thom. Meanwhile Agha Haider (1/43) and Harshavardhan Mailari (1/33) applied pressure but couldn’t halt the chase, while a couple of late drops cost Grammar any outside chance of victory.
Overall, this was a high-quality clash showcasing the best of Grade 1 cricket, with aggressive batting, thrilling moments, and a fiercely contested chase at Rubislaw. The game was played in the right spirit and finally having a short outfield and a new pitch made for a much better game than last years churn albeit the result didn’t go as Grammar would have hoped this time.
Man of the Match
Rasib Bashir (Aberdeen Grammar) – 100 off 51 balls, blending power-hitting and precision.
Champagne Moment
Bashir’s explosive century, lighting up the first innings.
