OXFORD University were edged out by three wickets in an exciting Charles Russell Varsity Twenty20 clash at Fenner’s.
Cambridge University reached 112-7 with three overs to spare, having been pegged back in their chase of Oxford’s 107 all out.
The hosts had been cruising at 46-1 and 79-3 after former Oxford CC player Gus Kennedy made 35.
However, Cambridge toppled to 90-7 as Alex Scott picked up two wickets.
But the Light Blues steadied the ship and won the match in emphatic style when Phil Ashton launched Ben Williams for a massive six.
Earlier, only a mature and sophisticated 52 from Sam Agarwal allowed Oxford to post three figures.
Paul Best – making his debut for the Light Blues, following commitments with Warwickshire and Cambridge MCCU – proved the difference between the sides.
The left-arm spinner dismissed Olly Richards and Tom Bryan lbw in his first over, while Agarwal and Dan Pascoe soon followed to leave Best with a fine haul of 4-12.
Paddy Sadler then claimed two victims as the Dark Blues subsided from 92-4 to 107 all out.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here