AHSAN Ali’s heroics could not help OA to victory on Saturday against Rosedale.

Defending a total of 188, Ali took six wickets, three of which were leg before, but OA could not dismiss Arran Matthews as Rosedale batted out a draw.

Having elected to bat, OA got off to a great start behind Alf Rehman (67) and Ghulam Rasool (33).

Ravi Vijh (4) at number three came and went without making much of an impact but the middle order – Zahid Khan (18), Azhat Mehmood (24), Omar Malik (15) and Jack Reynolds (12) – all pitched in with runs to push OA towards a competitive total.

The tail end contributed six runs at the innings came to an end on 188 runs. For Rosedale Matthews was the best bowling, snaring five wickets.

Rosedale’s reply started well with openers Paul Beverstock and Jonny Patel scoring 50 and 20 runs respectivelty.

However, only Sam Roberts (29) scored freely throughout the rest of the order as Ali bowled tight lines to restrict the scoring. He finished with figures of 6-38 off 20 overs, nine of which were maidens, and included two first-ball ducks.

But even Ali’s magic could not removed Matthews (13no) who steered his side to a draw.