Kicking off their 3rd successive season in the Middlesex Development League - The Middlesex Mavericks began with a commanding performance, defeating Southgate CC in a low scoring contest at the beautiful surrounds of the Walker Ground in North London. The new look team, with just a few players from the previous season – finally got their chance to put their training to the test after months of training indoors at Finchley.
Th team mostly made up of asylum seekers and refugees from different parts of London, led by Essa decided to bowl after winning the toss. Southgate were put under immense pressure from the outset by the Mavericks’ opening bowlers. Wickets fell at regular intervals as the Mavericks’ bowlers maintained tight lines and applied constant pressure, stifling the Southgate batters from playing shots. The home side were eventually dismissed for 99 in 34.5 overs, never managing a significant partnership to push the score into challenging territory. Nevin Kularatne top-scored for Southgate with a patient 20 from 54 deliveries. Overall, 5 batters were dismissed for duck, with Haroon taking 3 wickets, while Rugved took 2 and the others taking a wicket each.
The Mavericks seemed to get off to a decent start with the openers putting on a 23 run stand, with 100 to chase. The top order was reduced to 37 for 3, as the Southgate bowlers led by Jason Sagar tried hard to claw their way back into the contest. Naveed’s arrival at the crease gave the Mavericks some composure – as the middle-order batter dealt in boundaries. The Mavericks raced to the target in just 14.4 overs, with Naveed remaining unbeaten on 49 from 40 deliveries – hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes along the way to give his side their first points on the board.
“Really pleased for all the hard work that has gone in to getting this unconventional team through the doors and over the line in their first game of the season. Huge credit to Coaches Ben Kavanagh and Ashan Lokuketiya for helping the team prepare and keeping them motivated through the winter months”. – Sam Pimm, APM, Cricket Cities
What makes the Mavericks’ performances so compelling is not only the cricketing quality but the story behind the team. Several of their players arrived in the UK with limited access to traditional club structures, yet they have quickly built a cohesive, competitive unit. Their matches are as much about opportunity and community as they are about results and victories like this highlight what can happen when talent is given space to thrive.
“Having gone the 2025 season without a win, this is just what the team needed - especially after several of our long-standing players have been moved out of the city due to the unpredictable and changing circumstances for asylum seekers and refugees in the country.” – Dharani Thayi, MiTC Cricket Cities Lead
With a strong win under their belt, the Mavericks take on the likes of Stoke Newington , Winchmore Hill and Crouch End amongst others in their group over the coming weeks.
Are you an asylum seeker or refugee living in London or do not have access to club cricket? Write to [email protected] to be a part of Middlesex Mavericks and train with us.
