Pakistan Deaf international Adnan Ghani led the way with four wickets amongst a host of vital contributions as Yorkshire’s D40 first team brushed Wales aside by 86 runs at Sudbrook on Sunday.
Ghani’s contribution – he was one of three bowlers to take two wickets in an over – ensured that captain Matt Bateman’s side have now secured their safety in the National Quest League, the disability structure’s top division of county cricket.
Yorkshire won the title last year, but they made no secret of the fact this season would be one of transition, focusing more on blooding youngsters.
One of those youngsters is Curtis Sugden, the wicketkeeper-opener who top-scored in their 191-7 from 40 overs with 49 off 59 balls.
He shared 82 in 20 overs for the first wicket with England Learning Disability international Rob Hewitt, who contributed a vital 33.
Skipper Bateman also added 35 before striking twice with the ball in a successful defence, which saw Wales bowled out for 105 inside only 28 overs.
Pacer Ghani, who plays his league cricket at Huddersfield side Thongsbridge, bowled eight overs straight through with the new ball, returning 4-36, including a double wicket maiden.
Bateman was on a hat-trick in the 17th over as Wales slumped to 64-6 before John Kenward-Nash struck twice in the 28th to wrap up a victory which means the county will be playing top-flight cricket once again in 2025.
Yorkshire, having played six, have got one more fixture remaining. That comes against Lancashire at Higham on Sunday July 21.
The Red Rose, winless in six, are bottom of the table and already relegated.
Picture: Adnan Ghani, courtesy of Thongsbridge CC.
