BATSMAN Ahsan Fiaz has rewritten Worcester Old Vigornians’ record books after hitting a match-winning unbeaten 174 in a remarkable eight-wicket victory at Alvechurch & Hopwood.

The 22-year-old had not previously opened the batting for OVs and led from the front as the visitors chased down Alvechurch’s formidable 350-7 with 17 balls remaining.

OVs’ 353-2 was their highest-ever score in a league match and their biggest successful run-chase in defeating the Worcestershire League Division Three leaders.

Fiaz, who lives in Wylds Lane, struck 24 fours and five sixes from 142 balls.

Fiaz’s effort, which is also a record individual league score from an OVs batsman, earns him the Worcester News player of the week honour for which he wins a £25 Fearnley Factory Shop voucher.

“It was the first time I had ever opened the batting for the first team,” said Fiaz.

“I usually bat in the middle order but my brother Osman, who is the captain, asked me to open the innings.

“I had only ever scored one century before – 112 not out for the second team against Hanley Castle.

“When I got to my century I waved my bat towards our players.

“When we won, all the players came up to me, hugged me, and we did a team photograph in front of the scoreboard. I was feeling very confident and wished I could have kept on batting.”

Edd Rogers’ 112 and Matt Hayward’s 91 had helped Alvechurch amass a seem - ingly unassailable total.

In the context of the game, Tom Weston’s figures of 1-55 from 10 overs proved the most economical.

Fiaz,whose three elder brothers have all captained the OVs, rarely looked in trouble and his innings was the second highest overall score in the club’s history.

Chris Drew got the OVs off to a terrific start with 94 in 62 balls and captain Osman Fiaz hit 62 , his fourth fifty of the season.