Khatri's assault has Halesowen in Deep trouble!

INDIAN all-rounder Deepak Khatri produced a first-class bowling display to guide Smethwick to an emphatic nine-wicket victory over high-flying visitors Halesowen in the Birmingham and District Premier League.

- By DAVID LAWRENCE

The 30-year-old medium-pacer took 7-42 from 17 overs as their opponents were skittled for just 124. Halesowen skipper Wes Griffiths was the only one to offer any resistance, scoring a stubborn 58 over two hours.

Victory was never in doubt as Smethwick’s Rawait Khan (37) and Viken Kedariya put on 102 for the opening wicket, with the latter able to guide his side to victory with an unbeaten 69 off 50 balls, while Khatri’s 22 not out came off 13 deliveries.

Halesowen’s defeat allowed Knowle & Dorridge to stretch their lead at the top to 28 points following a 101-run win at Barnt Green.

Openers Hamza Shaikh (33) and Alex Phillips (41) gave the Cherry Hill Road visitors a solid start before Isaac Maddy chipped in with a useful 41 on their way to 182 all out. Dan Meredith was the pick of the bowlers, taking 5-22.