Report: Michael Knox

Image: Luke Stafford, Sports Shots

A brilliant innings by teenager Aum Raykar could not prevent Bucks Men from suffering an eight-wicket defeat against a strong Middlesex team in this year's NCCA Showcase match at Wormsley Estate on Thursday.

The 19-year-old former Great Brickhill batter, who now plays for Moseley in the Birmingham League, scored a stylish 85 to rescue Bucks from a potentially low total.

Choosing to bat first on a fast, bouncy pitch with a lightning outfield, Middlesex's promising quick bowler Naavya Sharma pegged Bucks back to 33-5. Sharma returned figures of 5-24 from his ten overs.

Particularly strong off the back foot, Raykar found support from Ed Bragg and Ryan Friend, but at 89-7 Bucks were still in trouble.

Raykar, who struck one six and ten fours, found good support from skipper Conner Haddow in an eighth-wicket of 88 in 18 overs.

With a century beckoning, Raykar was well caught in the deep for 85, while Haddow made 32 off 69 balls as Bucks were bowled out for 196 off the last ball of their 50th over.

This was a fine score considering their earlier plight, but the strong Middlesex side chased the total in style. Led by Josh de Caires, they raced to 98-0 off the first 10-over powerplay.

The son of former England captain Michael Atherton, de Caires reached his century off just 72 balls. He was eventually out for 108 off 78 balls, hitting 18 fours.

He and Nathan Fernandes (71 not out from 58 balls) added 180 for the first wicket in 21.3 overs.

Haddow had the consolation of dismissing former England batter Sam Robson before Middlesex eased home on 199-2 from 25.5 overs.

Bucks Men are next in action at Marlow this Sunday, when they entertain Wales NC in a National Counties T20 double-header, hoping to secure their place in the Super 12s.

Captain Conner Haddow had high praise for Aum Raykar: "It was nice to see Aum return to form, especially after such a tough start to the year for him. He played absolutely beautifully there, and apart from de Caires and Fernandes, he probably looked the best player out there, which was lovely to see."

Scorecard