OXFORDSHIRE were denied by a superb Uzair Qureshi century as Wiltshire won a thrilling quarter-final clash at Aston Rowant yesterday.

Despite a flurry of wickets putting the hosts on top, Qureshi stood firm, hitting 104 not out to lead his side to a two-wicket victory.

Oxon’s decision to bat first reaped rewards when Shabaaz Alam and Tom Cosford put on 102 for the first wicket.

Alam was first to go for 46, the first of five leg before decisions for Wiltshire.

Cosford soon followed, his 58 coming off just 47 deliveries with six fours and three sixes.

Oxfordshire then struggled to string any meaningful partnerships together, their next best a 40-run stand for the ninth wicket between Matt Warner and Russell White – the latter the last man to fall as Oxon were all out for 229.

They got off to a fine start with the ball though, Gareth Andrew trapping Tom Morton leg before in the third over.

Andrew struck again with yet another lbw decision, Jake Goodwin the batsman.

But a third-wicket stand of 84 between Qureshi and Ed Young put Wiltshire on top.

Young fell for 41, hit on the pads in front by Joe Thomas for a vital breakthrough.

Oxon were soon celebrating again when Tahir Afridi was bowled by Olly Clarke for five.

When Neil Clark was caught by Andrew at mid off off Clarke for two, the hosts had regained the initiative.

Jacob Lintott was caught by Jonny Cater off Thomas to leave Wiltshire on 156-6 before Clarke Bradley Dawson fell lbw off his first ball.

But Qureshi and No 9 Arthur Godsal shared a 61-run stand to swing the momentum in favour of Wiltshire.

Godsal fell for 41, but Qureshi’s sensational innings saw Wiltshire home.