TOM Fleet, the Prestwick captain, heaped praise on batting star Fazal Jawad after his match-winning knock helped stave off any threat of a shock at East Kilbride.
The title challengers were precariously placed on 39-3 in pursuit of 154 when the skipper joined opener Jawad in the middle.
Jawad proceeded to play the lead role with a superb 86no from only 64 balls including eight boundaries and four impressive maximums while Fleet lent run-a-ball support for his 42no.
Together the pair carried their team to victory with more than half their overs remaining.
Fazal is expected to play a part in the Western Warriors Tilney T20 Blitz campaign later this month and Fleet said: “We believe he deserves to be in the Warriors set-up regardless.
“He’s matured massively as a player and has worked on his game to be able to adapt to any situation – he’s a great talent.”
Prestwick refused to press the panic button after East Kilbride, in pursuit of their first win, came out with all guns blazing.
Imran Mughal was particularly punishing as he raced to a hard-hitting 83 with nine boundaries and five sixes.
However, the opening batsman ran out of support as the visiting bowlers fought back to grab the initiative.
Craig Morrison claimed 3-35 while Ross Paterson went through the tail with 3-6 but it was Fraser Macdonald who picked up the crucial wicket of Mughal in his first over, otherwise the Ayrshiremen may have been chasing a much more substantial total.
“It’s another good win and performance from the boys,” added Fleet. “Now we just look to the next game.”
Prestwick continue to trail Uddingston – now by just 1.89% – after the Bothwell team proved too strong for Stirling at New Williamfield.
Muhammad Adnan put the hosts on the back foot with three early wickets and his tally was matched by Mo Awais who made quick work of the tailenders to claim 3-5 as Stirling were bundled out for just 107.
Awais (26) then shared a solid opening stand with Anwar Hafeez (30) and, although four wickets fell, Ross Lyons’ 21no steered the leaders home.
It may be too early to call it a two-horse race but West of Scotland’s title hopes received a dent when they went down to Greenock in a thrilling encounter at Glenpark.
Having posted 200, James Fennah top-scoring with 46, West looked in total control after reducing the hosts to 88-6.
However, a superb 104no from Indian professional Saurabh Bandekar helped Greenock claw their way back into contention before Bandekar sealed a third consecutive win from the penultimate delivery.
Elsewhere, champions Ferguslie are still on the fringes thanks to victory at Drumpellier. Taimoor Ahmad carried his bat for a gutsy 66no as Ferguslie reached 167 before Drumps fell 37 runs short despite Chris Keltie’s half-century.
Clydesdale had several notable performers in their 7-wicket derby win over Poloc at Shawholm.
Zeeshan Bashir continued his rich vein of form, conceding just 14 runs and taking two wickets in his ten overs as Poloc were dismissed for 134 despite a battling 44 from Amaan Ramzan.
Scotland star Richie Berrington, who also claimed two wickets and effected two run-outs, led the chase with 49no but it was the performance of teenager Daniel Cairns which arguably had the biggest impact on the game, the youngster dismissing both Poloc’s overseas players before scoring a composed 44.
