Serendib CC celebrate double promotion after remarkable 2026 season

Serendib Cricket Club are celebrating a landmark 2026 season after both senior sides secured promotion in the Sussex Cricket League.

The 1st XI finished runners-up in Division 10 West, while the 2nd XI were crowned champions of Division 11 West (North), completing a memorable double promotion for the club.

First XI — Division 10 West Runners-up

Led by Fazahim, the 1st XI produced an outstanding campaign despite several senior players being unavailable during the holiday period.

Fazahim made an immediate impact, recording a five-wicket haul against Wisborough Green in the opening round. During his absence later in the season, Safrin Nazeeer stepped up as standing captain, with Mohamed Fayas providing valuable leadership and support.

Fayas finished the league campaign with an impressive 475 runs, while Safrin contributed 403 runs. Both players also recorded centuries during the season.

Faizal Noor added two consecutive half-centuries, while Shifnas produced a crucial score of more than 60 in an important chase against Littlehampton, Clapham & Patching 3rd XI.

Rizwan Fazan, Rimshad, Razan and A K Faizal also made important contributions throughout the campaign.

With the ball, Rizwan Ibralebbe led the attack with an excellent 27 wickets, while young fast bowler Rimshad impressed with his pace and promising performances throughout the season.

One of the season’s most dramatic moments came against eventual champions Rustington 2nd XI. With the match going down to the final delivery, Farhan struck a boundary from the last ball to level the scores, producing a thrilling tie.

Second XI — Division 11 West (North) Champions

The 2nd XI went one step further, finishing top of Division 11 West (North) to become league champions and secure promotion.

Shakir led the way with 485 league runs, while Rizwan Fuard finished second in the division’s run-scoring charts with 473 runs, underlining his outstanding consistency throughout the campaign.

Rishafi also enjoyed an excellent season, contributing 363 runs.

One of the standout batting performances came from Mohamed Rizwan, who smashed a brilliant 111 from just 67 balls, one of the fastest centuries recorded by the second XI during the season.

Asgar also registered a century, adding further firepower to an impressive batting unit.

With the ball, captain Rifky and Ashif led from the front, taking 27 wickets each, while Yazir finished with an excellent 23 wickets.

A Season to Remember

With the 2nd XI crowned champions and both senior teams securing promotion, 2026 will go down as a landmark season in Serendib CC’s history.

The achievements reflect the club’s strength in depth, teamwork, emerging talent and determination throughout the campaign.

From the leadership of the captains to the contributions of every player who represented the club, Serendib CC can look back on a season of genuine progress — and look ahead to an exciting 2027 campaign