Led by a brilliant all-round display from Ali Zaryab, Kenilworth Wardens claimed an exciting 18-run Birmingham Premier League Division One home win over Halesowen.

The Pakistani ace started his day by making an outstanding unbeaten 101-ball 112 which boosted the hosts to a competitive 296 for seven.

Then, with Halesowen's chase looking extremely threatening at 180 for three, Zaryab's off-spin was given a rare outing and he responded by dismissing well-set top-scorer Shane Setia for 68 on his way to the outstanding figures of 4-46.

This meant that the visitors were bowled out from the penultimate ball of the innings for 278 despite James Rudge's gallant late half-century.

With league leaders Smethwick, their nearest challengers Barnt Green and third-placed Moseley all also collecting a 20-point winning return this result leaves Wardens in fourth place in the table with four rounds of action remaining.

Batting against his former club, Jamie Harrison got Wardens away to another flying start by smashing three sixes in a 25-ball 39.

He added 67 with opening partner Henry Cullen who went on to contribute a fluent 82-ball 50 while putting on 62 in the company of Zaryab.

And after Harry Johnson had chipped in a useful 25, the home side's biggest partnership came in the closing stages of their innings as Reeve Evitts (34) helped the now well-set Zaryab to add 83 for the fourth wicket.

A flurry of late wickets saw Wardens close on 296 for seven of which their Pakistani ace made an unbeaten 112 containing a six and 11 fours.

Rudge and Ed Bragg claimed two wickets apiece for Halesowen who quickly lost two top-order wickets to Tommy Rex.

But overseas import Setia held firm from the top of the order while adding 101 third-wicket runs with veteran former Worcestershire all-rounder Alexei Kervezee (45).

As a result, with 20 overs remaining the visitors were looking extremely comfortable with just 115 required and seven wickets in hand.

However, a double strike then saw Alex Wyatt remove Bragg before Zaryab made a vital intervention by bowling Setia for a 96-ball 68 soon after entering the attack.

Wardens appeared to have taken control when the in-form Hugo Whitlock then claimed two further quick wickets only for Rudge to breathe life into Halesowen's faltering chase.

He dominated the closing stages of the innings while striking two sixes and six fours in an aggressive 46-ball 58.

However, the home side dried the runs up from the other end to good effect and when Zaryab had Rudge held by Rex before going on to clean up the tail Wardens had recorded an 18-run success.

Wardens host Shifnal next Saturday.