A maiden county half century from Musallen Sadiqi proved to be the only bright point as Oxfordshire suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Berkshire at Great & Little Tew.

Oxfordshire batted first on a superb Tew wicket, but could muster only 167 all out, as the top order again failed to shine.

After 15 overs, Oxon were in big trouble at 35-5, before a solid partnership of 45 between Sasha Barras and Luke Finch got them briefly back on track.

Finch’s innings of 32 included two sixes, but when they both got out in quick succession, Oxon were again staring down the barrel at 87-8.

In all sorts of trouble, Sadiqi, Michael Forrest and Connor Williams then batted with great common sense to take Oxfordshire to 167, Sadiqi finishing with his maiden county half century.

It was a score which should not have provided too much of a challenge to the visitors, and so it proved.

Berkshire’s batsmen showed what could be done as they blasted their way to victory.

The only bright point in the bowling came from Nick Barker, who took his first two wickets for the county.