Nelson edge past Rochdale in hard fought victory to strengthen promotion push
A strong all round team performance saw Nelson claim a hard fought three wicket victory over Rochdale at Seedhill on Sunday, securing another important win in the Division Two promotion race.
After losing the toss and being asked to field, Nelson made the perfect start as Hassan Fazal struck early to remove both openers, leaving Rochdale struggling at 35-3. Fazal was outstanding with the new ball, finishing with excellent figures of 4-24 from nine overs, while professional and captain Tyler McGladdery produced another influential spell, claiming 4-51 from 14.1 overs.
Rochdale rebuilt through stand-in professional Dan Salpietro, who top scored with 70 from 103 balls, including five fours and a six. He added 72 for the fifth wicket with skipper Michael Harling (39) to give the visitors a platform, but Nelson continued to chip away with regular wickets. Khurram Nazir also got among the wickets with 1-48 as Rochdale were eventually bowled out for 195 in 48.1 overs.
Nelson’s reply began positively, with Fazal (21) and Sam Holt putting on 75 for the opening wicket. Holt continued his impressive recent form, striking 46 from just 49 balls and hitting 10 boundaries to give the hosts early control of the chase.
McGladdery then added a valuable 36, while Lewis Bradley contributed a composed 27 to keep Nelson on course. However, Rochdale fought back through Haroon Kashmiri, who took 3-54, and a quick double strike briefly reduced Nelson to 129-5.
Ben Dinning’s 19 helped steady the innings before Tom Bradshaw produced a calm and decisive unbeaten 24 from only 17 deliveries, including five boundaries. Bradshaw and Gul Sabir (6 not out) guided Nelson home in the 44th over to seal a deserved three wicket victory.
The win keeps Nelson firmly in the promotion picture as they continue their pursuit of the top two in Division Two.
The 1st XI travel to Rawtenstall on Sunday.
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