Match Reviews Week 2

MCU Division 1: Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI v Clare CC 2nd XI

Date: 25 April 2026

Venue: Farmers Cross, Cork

Result: Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI won by 46 runs

In the second week of the Munster Cricket Union (MCU) Division 1, Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI secured a 46-run victory over Clare CC 2nd XI at Farmers Cross. Despite losing the toss and being sent in to bat, the home side set a competitive target that the visitors ultimately failed to reach.

First Innings: Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI

Cork Harlequins posted a total of 192 all out in 42.2 overs. The innings was anchored by Zeeshan Ullah, who top-scored with 46 runs, including four boundaries and two sixes. Significant contributions also came from opener Preston Searra (27) and Namish Kumar (18).

The Clare CC bowling attack saw S Pannerselvam produce the most economical figures, taking 3 for 19 across his nine overs. Captain Gurpreet Singh also claimed three wickets (3 for 42), while Z Udin chipped in with 2 for 28. However, the bowling unit struggled with discipline, conceding 41 extras, including 31 wides.

Second Innings: Clare CC 2nd XI

Chasing 193 for victory, Clare CC were dismissed for 146 in 38.5 overs. The chase struggled to gain momentum as the top order fell cheaply to Michael Higgins, who took 3 for 32. Hrushikesh Pardeshi provided the only major resistance for the visitors, scoring a resilient 48. Aside from WS Qureshi (12) and Karthik Gajendra (10), no other Clare batsman reached double figures.

The Cork Harlequins bowling effort was led by Manvinder Singh, who claimed 3 for 17 in six overs, and Zeeshan Ullah, who capped off a strong all-round performance with 3 for 18. Similar to the first innings, extras played a major role in the score, with Harlequins conceding 52 additional runs.

Hero of the Match

The standout performer was Zeeshan Ullah. His contribution of 46 runs in the first innings provided the necessary backbone for the Harlequins total, and his bowling figures of 3 for 18 were instrumental in dismantling the Clare CC lower order to seal the win. And a big shout out to stand-in keeper Preston Searra, who snared 3 catches behind the stumps!

Summary Scores:

• Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI: 192 all out (42.2 overs); Z Ullah 46, P Searra 27; S Pannerselvam 3-19, G Singh 3-42.
• Clare CC 2nd XI: 146 all out (38.5 overs); H Pardeshi 48; Z Ullah 3-18, M Singh 3-17, M Higgins 3-32.

MCU Division 1: Nenagh CC 1st XI v Limerick CC 2nd XI

Date: 25 April 2026

Venue: The Manor Fields, Adare

Result: Nenagh CC 1st XI won by 21 runs

In a closely contested Week 2 encounter in the MCU Division 1, Nenagh CC 1st XI defended a moderate total to secure a 21-run victory over Limerick CC 2nd XI at Adare.

First Innings: Nenagh CC 1st XI

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Nenagh CC reached 186 all out in 44.4 overs. The innings was built on a solid middle-order partnership between Jomy Joseph and Cinulal Varickatharappel. Joseph top-scored for the side with a brisk 44, including six boundaries and a six, while Varickatharappel contributed a patient 36. Early in the innings, captain Vimal John Mathai (19) and asif safin (16) provided a platform, but the team struggled against a disciplined Limerick attack later in the session.

Neeraj Kumar was the standout performer with the ball for Limerick CC, returning exceptional figures of 4 for 20 from his nine overs. He was well-supported by Syed Asif Hussain (2 for 31) and Waqas Mehmood (2 for 18), who helped trigger a late-order collapse where Nenagh lost their final five wickets for just 20 runs.

Second Innings: Limerick CC 2nd XI

In reply, Limerick CC were dismissed for 165 in 38.5 overs. The chase was spearheaded by Ayan Ullah, who scored a resilient 50 to keep his side in contention. He found a reliable partner in Syed Asif Hussain (26), and together they brought the score to 114 before the partnership was broken. Sarfraz Ramay remained unbeaten on 16, but the lower order failed to provide the necessary support to cross the finish line.

The Nenagh bowling unit proved effective in taking wickets at crucial intervals. Rajkumar Nagulsamy led the attack with a clinical 4 for 32, including three LBW decisions that stifled the Limerick momentum. Roshan Patel was equally impactful, claiming 3 for 30, including the key wickets of the Limerick top order. Sreenivas Pockathara Maniappan and Tinu John also picked up a wicket apiece to ensure the 21-run victory.

Hero of the Match

The hero of the match was Rajkumar Nagulsamy. His four-wicket haul (4 for 32) was the decisive factor in the second innings, as he consistently broke partnerships and dismissed key Limerick batsmen to defend a target of 186.

Summary Scores:

• Nenagh CC 1st XI: 186 all out (44.4 overs); J Joseph 44, C Varickatharappel 36; N Kumar 4-20, S Asif Hussain 2-31.
• Limerick CC 2nd XI: 165 all out (38.5 overs); A Ullah 50, S Asif Hussain 26; R Nagulsamy 4-32, R Patel 3-30.

MCU Division 3: Waterford & District CC 1st XI v County Kerry CC 3rd XI

Date: 25 April 2026

Venue: Carriganore CG, Waterford

Result: Waterford & District CC 1st XI won by 87 runs

Waterford & District CC 1st XI secured a dominant victory in Week 2 of the MCU Division 3, defeating County Kerry CC 3rd XI by 87 runs at Carriganore. A strong middle-order batting performance followed by a clinical five-wicket haul ensured a comprehensive result for the home side.

First Innings: Waterford & District CC 1st XI

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Waterford & District posted 211 all out in 39.5 overs. The innings was defined by two crucial half-centuries. Wicketkeeper Sourav Ganguly played an aggressive knock, scoring 54 off 57 balls, including three sixes. He was well-supported by PS Francis, who reached 52 with five boundaries. Zubair Shahid added valuable impetus to the later stages of the innings with a brisk 40.

The County Kerry bowling attack was led by Kiran Josey, who finished with impressive figures of 4 for 21. Sujal Kumar (2 for 29) and Sonu Sabu (2 for 20) also contributed to the frequent breakthroughs that eventually saw Waterford dismissed just shy of their 40-over limit.

Second Innings: County Kerry CC 3rd XI

In pursuit of 212, County Kerry struggled to build significant partnerships, eventually being dismissed for 124 in 30.5 overs. Kiran Josey completed a strong individual day by top-scoring with 25, while Jomin Thomas (16) and N Shah (12) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures. The chase was also heavily aided by 50 extras conceded by the Waterford bowlers.

However, the Waterford attack proved too potent. SK Jayaram produced a match-winning spell, tearing through the middle and lower order to claim 5 for 16 in 7.5 overs. He was supported by captain Benjamin Martin, who took 2 for 37, and R Khalily, who finished with 2 for 21. The final five wickets fell for just 10 runs as Jayaram clinicaly wrapped up the tail.

Hero of the Match

The hero of the match was SK Jayaram. His exceptional bowling performance of 5 for 16 dismantled the County Kerry batting lineup and ensured there was no way back for the visitors, effectively turning a competitive chase into a comfortable victory.

Summary Scores:

• Waterford & District CC 1st XI: 211 all out (39.5 overs); S Ganguly 54, PS Francis 52, Z Shahid 40; K Josey 4-21.
• County Kerry CC 3rd XI: 124 all out (30.5 overs); K Josey 25; SK Jayaram 5-16, R Khalily 2-21, B Martin 2-37.

MCU Division 1: Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI v Cork County CC 2nd XI

Date: 25 April 2026

Venue: The Mardyke, Cork

Result: Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI won by 12 runs

In a high-scoring encounter at The Mardyke, Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI edged out Cork County CC 2nd XI by 12 runs in a match that went deep into the second innings.

First Innings: Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI

After being put in to bat, the Limerick Blasters posted a formidable total of 242 for 9 in their allotted 45 overs. The innings was sparked by a rapid half-century from Ajith A, who struck 64 off just 47 deliveries, including seven sixes. He was well-supported by Rahul Poulose, whose patient 47 anchored the middle order. Openers Anunath Gopinathan Valsala (26) and George Raju (22) provided a steady start, while 42 extras further bolstered the total.

For Cork County, the wickets were shared across the attack. Parag Soni (2 for 56) and Arpit Ahuja (2 for 17) were the pick of the bowlers. Ayush Dubey, RAJAMOULI SENTHIL VANITHA, Elham Momand, and Gaurav Singh each claimed a single wicket to keep the Blasters from reaching an even higher total.

Second Innings: Cork County CC 2nd XI

The Cork County chase was characterized by a spirited late-order fightback. The team found themselves in significant trouble at 137 for 7, but a brilliant 65 from Ashwani Tomar—reaching his half-century in just 36 balls—kept the home side in the hunt. Following Tomar’s dismissal, RAJAMOULI SENTHIL VANITHA played a defiant unbeaten knock of 42 to bring his side within striking distance. However, they ultimately fell just short, finishing on 230 all out in 42.5 overs.

The Blasters‘ defense was led by Sunu V Sam, who took 3 for 36, and Dileep Raveendran Nair, who also claimed 3 for 57. Ajith A capped off an excellent all-round game with 2 for 46, including the stumping of Parag Soni, while captain Praveen Poulose took the final wicket to secure the points for the visitors.

Hero of the Match

The hero of the match was Ajith A. His explosive 64 runs changed the momentum of the first innings, and his two crucial wickets in the second innings proved vital in defending the total during Cork County’s late surge.

Summary Scores:

• Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI: 242/9 (45 overs); Ajith A 64, R Poulose 47; A Ahuja 2-17, P Soni 2-56.
• Cork County CC 2nd XI: 230 all out (42.5 overs); A Tomar 65, R S Vanitha 42*; S V Sam 3-36, D R Nair 3-57.

MCU Division 3: Lismore CC 1st XI v Clare CC 4th XI

Date: 25 April 2026

Venue: Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon

Result: Lismore CC 1st XI won by 170 runs

Lismore CC 1st XI secured a convincing 170-run victory over Clare CC 4th XI in Week 2 of the MCU Division 3. A dominant first-innings total set by Lismore proved beyond the reach of the home side, who struggled to establish momentum throughout the chase.

First Innings: Lismore CC 1st XI

Choosing to bat first, Lismore CC posted an imposing 262 for 9 in their 40 overs. The foundation was laid by opener Sarath Jose, who top-scored with 69 off 67 balls, featuring five sixes. Jose shared an 87-run opening stand with Manikandan N (11). Following the top-order start, Guna Nanjappa provided significant impetus in the middle overs, striking 40 off just 30 deliveries. Captain G Nair added 22 to help propel the score past the 250-mark.

The Clare CC bowlers struggled with discipline, conceding a notable 69 extras, including 60 wides. Despite the high extra count, Umer King was effective with the ball, taking 3 for 35 in his eight overs. Farhan Javed (2 for 48) and Sabzali Ahmadzai (2 for 30) also picked up multiple wickets to restrict the damage in the final overs.

Second Innings: Clare CC 4th XI

The chase for Clare CC never fully materialized as they were dismissed for 92 in 35.4 overs. Wicketkeeper Gugs Singh offered the lone resistance, remaining unbeaten on 32 from 91 balls. However, he lacked support from the other end, as no other batsman managed to reach double figures. The Lismore attack remained disciplined, with S KS producing a remarkably economical spell, conceding only 4 runs in seven overs with five maidens.

Sarath Jose translated his batting form into the bowling department, taking 3 for 21. He was well-supported by Jayamohan Kuruvilla, who claimed 2 for 16, and captain G Nair, who finished with 2 for 15. Manikandan N took the final wicket to seal the expansive 170-run win.

Hero of the Match

The hero of the match was Sarath Jose. His all-round performance was the deciding factor of the contest, contributing a game-high 69 runs with the bat before returning to take 3 wickets for 21 runs, ensuring a comprehensive victory for Lismore CC.

Summary Scores:

• Lismore CC 1st XI: 262/9 (40 overs); S Jose 69, G Nanjappa 40; U King 3-35, S Ahmadzai 2-30.
• Clare CC 4th XI: 92 all out (35.4 overs); G Singh 32*; S Jose 3-21, J Kuruvilla 2-16, G Nair 2-15.

MCU Division 3: Limerick Blasters CC 3rd XI v United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI

Date: 25 April 2026

Venue: Croker’s Oval, Ballyneety

Result: United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI won by 7 wickets

In Week 2 of the MCU Division 3, United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Limerick Blasters CC 3rd XI at Croker’s Oval. A disciplined bowling performance followed by a composed half-century ensured a successful chase for the visiting side.

First Innings: Limerick Blasters CC 3rd XI

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Limerick Blasters were dismissed for 116 in 29.2 overs. The innings struggled for momentum throughout, with Prestige Jaison providing the primary resistance. Jaison top-scored with 40 runs from 51 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Paulson George (10) was the only other batsman to reach double figures, as the scorecard was significantly bolstered by 41 extras.

The United Cricket Clonmel bowling unit was highly effective. Kapil Jawandha delivered a lethal short spell to wrap up the tail, claiming 3 wickets for just 3 runs in 1.2 overs. He was well-supported by Subeesh Velappan (2 for 16), Vinayak Nayak (2 for 17), and Babar Ali (2 for 22), while Jithu Cherian also chipped in with a wicket.

Second Innings: United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI

Chasing 117 for victory, Clonmel reached their target in 20.4 overs. The chase was defined by a clinical unbeaten performance from Muhammad Arbaz Amjad Kushar, who scored 55* from 70 deliveries. Despite a sudden collapse in the seventh over—where Arun Balakrishnan Embran Kandy took three wickets in six balls to leave Clonmel at 43 for 3—the visitors remained composed. Ahmad Qamar joined Kushar to stabilize the innings, finishing on 22* as the pair shared an unbeaten 74-run partnership to see their side home.

Arun Balakrishnan Embran Kandy was the standout performer for the Blasters, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 21. However, the lack of a substantial total to defend meant the pressure was eventually relieved by the Kushar-Qamar stand.

Hero of the Match

The hero of the match was Muhammad Arbaz Amjad Kushar. His unbeaten 55 provided the necessary stability and aggression required for the chase, ensuring that United Cricket Clonmel recovered from a middle-order scare to claim the victory.

Summary Scores:

• Limerick Blasters CC 3rd XI: 116 all out (29.2 overs); P Jaison 40, P George 10; K Jawandha 3-3, S Velappan 2-16, V Nayak 2-17.
• United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI: 117/3 (20.4 overs); M A A Kushar 55*, A Qamar 22*; A B E Kandy 3-21.

MCU Premier: County Kerry CC 1st XI v Limerick CC 1st XI

Date: 26 April 2026

Venue: The Manor Fields, Adare

Result: Limerick CC 1st XI won by 4 wickets

In a low-scoring MCU Premier encounter at Adare, Limerick CC 1st XI overcame a disciplined bowling effort from County Kerry CC 1st XI to secure a four-wicket victory. The match was defined by early wickets in both innings, with the visitors ultimately chasing down a modest target in the 36th over.

First Innings: County Kerry CC 1st XI

After winning the toss and electing to bat, County Kerry struggled to find their footing as the Limerick opening attack made immediate inroads. Prasad Hegde and Ramoji Alla reduced the visitors to 5 for 2 within the first two overs. Awais Saghir (22) and Q Butt (18) attempted to rebuild, but the momentum shifted back to the home side through the middle overs.

Tyson Warnke top-scored with a patient 32, while Alam Morshed contributed 24, but the Kerry lineup was eventually dismissed for 140 in 34.4 overs. The standout performer with the ball was Manoj Sharma, who claimed 3 for 14 in seven overs, including the key wicket of Warnke. He was supported by Ramoji Alla, who finished with 3 for 23, and Prasad Hegde, who took 2 for 40.

Second Innings: Limerick CC 1st XI

The Limerick chase began precariously as Kashif Mehmood Khan and Braden Stuart Warnke removed the openers early, leaving the hosts at 29 for 2. However, Bharat Dahima anchored the innings with a vital 46 off 107 balls. He found a reliable partner in captain Prasad Hegde, who played an aggressive counter-attacking knock of 44 from 43 deliveries, including three boundaries and four sixes.

Alam Morshed kept County Kerry in the contest with a superb spell of 3 for 37, removing both Dahima and Hegde to cause a late flutter at 129 for 6. However, Manoj Sharma (12*) remained composed to guide his side over the line with 14 overs to spare. Aside from Morshed, wickets were shared between Kashif Mehmood Khan, Braden Stuart Warnke, and Mohsin Taj.

Hero of the Match

The hero of the match was Manoj Sharma. His exceptional bowling figures of 3 for 14 effectively restricted County Kerry to a sub-par total, and his calm presence at the crease during the final stages of the chase ensured Limerick secured the victory without further loss.

Summary Scores:

• County Kerry CC 1st XI: 140 all out (34.4 overs); T Warnke 32, A Morshed 24; M Sharma 3-14, R Alla 3-23.
• Limerick CC 1st XI: 141/6 (36 overs); B Dahima 46, P Hegde 44; A Morshed 3-37.

MCU Premier: County Galway CC 1st XI v Cork County CC 1st XI

Date: 26 April 2026

Venue: Lydican (MC), Galway

Result: Cork County CC 1st XI won by 13 runs

In a low-scoring but highly eventful MCU Premier clash, Cork County CC 1st XI successfully defended a modest total to defeat County Galway CC 1st XI by 13 runs. The match was characterized by significant lower-order recoveries and a disciplinary penalty that proved decisive in the final margin.

First Innings: Cork County CC 1st XI

Electing to bowl first, County Galway made immediate inroads, reducing Cork County to 43 for 4 within the first 12 overs. L Sumit (3 for 35) and J Juneja (3 for 32) were clinical with the new ball, while K Mehmood provided excellent control, conceding only 22 runs in his 10 overs.

The visitors’ innings was rescued by a resilient half-century from Nabeel Anjum, who scored 51 off 77 balls. He found a crucial partner in Mark Donnelly, who contributed 25. The pair shared a 50-run partnership for the 9th wicket, lifting the total from a precarious 96 for 8 to 154 all out in 41.1 overs. Josh Hartill (31) had earlier provided the only other major resistance in the top order.

Second Innings: County Galway CC 1st XI

The Galway chase began with promise as S Burra (31) and S Gayam (31) guided the hosts to 68 for 1. However, the introduction of Nabeel Anjum into the attack triggered a dramatic collapse. In a match-defining spell, Anjum claimed 5 for 44, including three wickets at the same score of 68 to dismantle the Galway top and middle order.

Despite a brisk 27 from S Singh and a quick 22 from B Fanakzai, Galway struggled to maintain momentum. Assam Ishfaq provided the finishing touches for the bowling side, taking 3 for 12 in 4.4 overs to wrap up the tail. A notable moment occurred in the 25th over when Cork County was awarded 5 penalty runs due to a Level 2 disciplinary offense by the batting side. Galway was eventually bowled out for 141 in 26.4 overs.

Hero of the Match

The hero of the match was undoubtedly Nabeel Anjum. His performance was a masterclass in all-round cricket, first top-scoring with 51 to give his side a defendable total, and then returning with the ball to take 5 for 44, effectively breaking the back of the Galway run chase.

Summary Scores:

• Cork County CC 1st XI: 154 all out (41.1 overs); N Anjum 51, J Hartill 31, M Donnelly 25; J Juneja 3-32, L Sumit 3-35.
• County Galway CC 1st XI: 141 all out (26.4 overs); S Burra 31, S Gayam 31, S Singh 27; N Anjum 5-44, A Ishfaq 3-12.

MCU Division 2: Nenagh CC 2nd XI v Waterford Vikings 1st XI

Date: 26 April 2026

Venue: Knockshigowna Cricket Grounds, Nenagh

Result: Nenagh CC 2nd XI won by 112 runs

Nenagh CC 2nd XI secured a comprehensive 112-run victory over Waterford Vikings 1st XI in Week 2 of the MCU Division 2. A disciplined batting performance and a clinical display with the ball allowed the home side to dominate the contest at Knockshigowna.

First Innings: Nenagh CC 2nd XI

After being put in to bat, Nenagh CC posted a substantial total of 252 for 9 in their 40 overs. The innings was anchored by Vimal John Mathai, who top-scored with a patient 63 off 95 balls. Despite losing early wickets to J Kuriakose and a run-out, Nenagh rebuilt through the middle order. Tony Kurian provided much-needed aggression, striking 44 off 39 balls, while Cinulal Varickatharappel (29) and Kanagaratenam Prasanna (37) ensured the run rate remained high.

The Waterford Vikings’ bowling attack struggled with consistency, conceding 45 extras. F Francis (2 for 33), J Kuriakose (2 for 44), and Anoop A (2 for 26) were the primary wicket-takers, but they were unable to prevent Nenagh from reaching a formidable total.

Second Innings: Waterford Vikings 1st XI

The Vikings’ chase got off to a difficult start, losing three wickets during the powerplay to leave them at 27 for 3. Kanagaratenam Prasanna proved particularly difficult to handle, claiming three of the top six wickets to finish with 3 for 27. T George also made early inroads, finishing with 2 for 14.

Captain F Francis launched a spirited counter-attack, smashing a rapid 54 off just 30 balls, including six boundaries and four sixes. However, he received little support as the rest of the batting lineup struggled against the Nenagh variety. Sri Teja (2 for 22) accounted for Francis and D Davis in quick succession to effectively end the chase. The Vikings were eventually bowled out for 140 in 28.4 overs.

Hero of the Match

The hero of the match was Vimal John Mathai. His resilient half-century (63) provided the essential backbone for the Nenagh innings, allowing the more aggressive middle-order players to bat with freedom and set a match-winning target.

Summary Scores:

• Nenagh CC 2nd XI: 252/9 (40 overs); V J Mathai 63, T Kurian 44, K Prasanna 37; A A 2-26, F Francis 2-33.
• Waterford Vikings 1st XI: 140 all out (28.4 overs); F Francis 54; K Prasanna 3-27, T George 2-14, S Teja 2-22.