Cork Harlequins Edge Out Kerry in Thriller
In a pulsating encounter at Oyster Oval, Cork Harlequins snatched a thrilling two-wicket victory over County Kerry in a high-scoring MCU Premier Division clash.
Kerry, batting first, got off to a the worst possible start with Saghir being dismissed first ball by Mustak Mardan. The ship was steadied by U Sherzad (27) and Imran Khan Pathan (38) before a clutch of wickets threatened to derail the innings.
A crucial partnership between Khuram Iqbal (61) and Alam Morshed (52) solidified the middle order, and Kerry looked set for a big total. But some tight bowling from Matt Brewster and Zubair Hassan Khan stemmed the flow of runs, and Kerry eventually finished on 256.
In reply, Cork Harlequins got off to a flying start with openers Hickey (32) and Powale (110) putting on a solid platform. Powale was in imperious form, and his century kept Harlequins in the hunt for the total, and he nearly guided the Cork side home.
S Powale was undoubtedly the hero of the match with his match-winning century. His ability to keep his cool under pressure was crucial for Harlequins. Mustak Mardan was also impressive for Kerry with his early breakthroughs.
This was a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire, and both teams can be proud of their efforts.
Midleton Edge Out Clare in Thriller
In a low-scoring encounter at Ballycasey Clare Oval, Midleton CC 3rd XI held their nerve to clinch a thrilling three-wicket victory over Clare CC 2nd XI in an MCU Division 2B clash.
Batting first, Clare found the going tough against the disciplined Midleton bowling attack. Avinash Nagarajan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming a hat-trick and finishing with impressive figures. Despite a battling 35 from U Amjad, Clare were restricted to 144.
In reply, Midleton’s chase was far from smooth. Gurpreet Singh was the standout bowler for Clare, picking up four wickets and causing regular disruptions. However, Asad (35) and Prakash (28*) steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. With wickets falling around them, Midleton required cool heads and precise batting. They managed to cross the line with just three wickets to spare.
Avinash Nagarajan was the star of the show for Midleton with his match-winning spell, while Gurpreet Singh was equally impressive for Clare.
Nenagh Squeeze past Limerick in Thriller
In a nail-biting finish at Adare Manor, Nenagh CC 2nd XI snatched a thrilling one-wicket victory over Limerick CC 3rd XI in a low-scoring MCU Division 2A encounter.
Batting first, Limerick struggled against the disciplined Nenagh bowling attack. Vimal John Mathai was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets and proving to be a thorn in Limerick’s side. Despite a solid half-century from Monish Pawar, Limerick were restricted to 151.
In reply, Nenagh’s chase was fraught with danger. A solid 25 from Captain Vimal John Mathai and 22 from Sri Teja, Nenagh did just about enough to secure the win. With wickets tumbling around them, Nenagh required cool heads and precise batting. They managed to cross the line with just one wicket to spare in the final over.
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