Fast bowler Usman Arif made a superb debut and so nearly guided Oxford to a victory over High Wycombe in a rain-shortened Division 1 match at Rover Cowley.

Usman, who joined from Beaconsfield, returned 5-24 in just eight overs to have Wycombe hanging on at 81-9 in reply to the home side’s total of 188.

Overnight rain delayed the start until 1.30pm, with a 47-39 overs split.

Having lost both openers cheaply after being put in to bat, Oxford were indebted to important innings from Nick Ferraby and Stewart Laudat and some useful contrbutions down the order.

Usman Arif blasted through the visitors strong early batting line-up, reducing them single-handedly to 39-5.

In failing light, Oxford had to turn to the spin of Shamilal Mendis and Ian Evans.

After 18 overs, Wycombe were 47-7.

David Cranfield-Thompson offered the main resistance scoring 22 from 103 balls as his ninth-wicket stand with Chris Sketchley occupied 12 overs.

The ninth wicket fell to the last ball of the match, Mendis ending up with three wickets.