A staggering batting display by Zawar Hussain fired Watford Haidery A into a Watford Observer Fourteen14 Shield semi-final showdown with West Herts tomorrow after they thumped Met Police Bushey A by 106 runs.

Batting first in Thursday’s quarter-final, Haidery batted fluently but two wickets in an over from Simon Hamilton left them on 116 for four with 11 of their 14, eight-ball overs gone. Then Hussain took centre stage.

An astonishing performance saw the batsman reach his half-century off just 12 deliveries and he went on to finish on an unbeaten 94 from just 28 balls, having bludgeoned nine sixes and seven fours.

Hussain contribution’s enabled his side to take 98 off the last three overs and post a formidable total off 214 for four after Qaiser Shah (48) and Khawar Kazmi (44) had also contributed to positive effect.

Only Dave Soulsby offered any resistance in reply, making a 50-ball 51 as Met Police fell well short of the target on 108 for eight.

Haidery now face the Stags in tomorrow’s second semi-final at Watford Town but the last-four action gets underway this evening when Bushey take on Leverstock Green B at Met Police Bushey.

The Plate semi-finals also take place today and tomorrow, with Rickmansworth School Staff meeting Met Police Bushey B at Watford Town A this evening before holders Watford Grammar School for Staff take on Radlett at Met Police’s ground 24 hours later.

All four matches are due to start at 6.15pm and spectators are welcome.