Match Reports- Week 3

Munster Cricket Union Division1 (45 Overs) – Week 3 Match Report
Saturday, 3rd May 2025
Venue: Townparks, Midleton
Match Result: Midleton CC 1st XI defeated County Kerry CC 2nd XI by 111 runs

Midleton CC 1st XI – 359/9 (45 Overs)

Midleton produced a powerful batting display, amassing a mammoth 359 for 9 in their allotted 45 overs. The innings was built on a foundation of aggressive strokeplay, with multiple batters contributing in a fast-paced contest.

Opening batters Jose George and Majid Khan gave Midleton a flying start, with George hammering 41 off just 30 balls and Khan adding a crucial 64 off 58 deliveries. Their early blitz pushed the score beyond 100 within the first 12 overs. The momentum was maintained by a destructive knock from Robert Smyth, who blasted 84 off 57 balls, featuring a flurry of boundaries and sixes, particularly targeting the middle overs.

The Kerry bowlers struggled to stem the run flow, with wides, no-balls, and poor over rate contributing to the scoreboard pressure. Despite occasional breakthroughs, including Usman Butt (3 wickets) and Q Butt (2 wickets), Midleton’s relentless batting depth proved too much to contain. Fayyaz Khan played a key finisher’s role, scoring a brisk 36 from 25 balls, supported by consistent lower-order contributions. A chaotic final over saw Midleton push the total just under 360, extras contributing a hefty 63 runs.

County Kerry CC 2nd XI – 248 All Out (39.3 Overs)

Chasing a daunting target, Kerry’s reply was spirited but ultimately fell well short at 248 all out, undone by regular wickets and scoreboard pressure.

Kerry’s innings had moments of fight – Numan Ahmad top-scored with a sparkling 42 off 29 balls, and Adil Rahil added 36 (49) while late resistance from Taimour Ahmad Chaudhary (three sixes in the closing overs) helped drag the score past 240. US Sherzad (23), N Shah (17), and Majid Yousaf (7) added useful runs but none could anchor the chase effectively.

Midleton’s bowling unit operated with precision. Jose George and Adeel Rafi Ahmed both claimed 3 scalps, and Romil Shinde a brace. The bowling unit provided breakthroughs at key intervals with wickets falling via catches and run-outs. Midleton maintained pressure through intelligent field placements and tidy bowling from the likes of Jose George, who returned a miserly 3.6 runs per over to help keep the scoring rate in check.

Gandhi ended the match with the final wicket, bowling N Shah to seal a comprehensive 111-run victory.

Summary:

Midleton CC 1st XI: 359/9 in 45 overs
- R Smyth 84 (57), M Khan 64 (58), J George 41 (30)
- U Butt 3/63
County Kerry CC 2nd XI: 248 all out in 39.3 overs
- Numan Ahmad 42 (29) A Rahil 36 (49), Chaudhary 25*, US Sherzad 23 (34)
- J George 3/32, Adeel Rafi Ahmed 3/44

Midleton CC 1st XI won by 111 runs

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MCU Division 1 – 45 Overs Week 3 Match Report
Saturday, 3rd May 2025
Croker’s Oval, Ballyneety
Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI vs UCC CC 1st XI
Match Result: UCC CC 1st XI won by 7 wickets

In a dominant bowling display followed by a composed chase, UCC CC 1st XI cruised to a 7-wicket win over Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI in their MCU Division 1 clash at Croker’s Oval.

First Innings – Limerick Blasters CC: 93 all out (27.3 overs)

Batting first on a challenging surface, Limerick Blasters never settled, losing wickets at regular intervals thanks to an outstanding spell from Adnan Abbas, who came on as the 5th bowler and claimed 5 wickets in a devastating medium-pace performance. He finished with match-winning figures and was ably supported by I Haider and S Belwal, who both chipped in with 2 wickets, including the crucial early dismissal of Rahul Poulose.

The Blasters struggled for partnerships throughout the innings. Only George Raju (23 off 54 balls) showed any resistance at the top, while Praveen Poulose (11), Ajith A (10) were unable to push on after getting starts. The innings folded for just 93 runs in 27.3 overs, with a mixture of disciplined bowling, sharp fielding (notably Muhammad Rizwan with two catches), and erratic running between the wickets contributing to the collapse.

Second Innings – UCC CC: 96/3 (18.6 overs)

Despite a shaky start to their chase that saw the visitors reeling at 3/18, UCC CC recovered thanks to a calm and authoritative knock from Muhammad Rizwan, who remained unbeaten on 43.

Rizwan counter-attacked with authority. He struck three sixes and four boundaries, including a match-clinching four off Praveen Poulose. His 47-run stand with Adnan Abbas (14*) ensured that UCC crossed the finish line in just 18.6 overs, sealing a comprehensive victory.

Hero of the Match: Adnan Abbas

While Muhammad Rizwan’s composed innings was critical in the chase, the match-defining performance came from Adnan Abbas. His 5-wicket haul dismantled Limerick’s batting lineup and set the platform for a straightforward chase. His accuracy, variation, and ability to break partnerships earned him the Hero of the Match accolade.

Summary:

Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI: 93 all out (27.3 overs)
Adnan Abbas 6-1-20-5, I Haider 9-0-23-2
Top scorer: George Raju 23 (54)
UCC CC 1st XI: 96/3 (18.6 overs)
Muhammad Rizwan 43*, Adnan Abbas 14*
Limerick Blasters wickets: Rahul Poulose 2, Jeffin Mathew 1

Match Result: UCC CC 1st XI win by 7 wickets

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MCU Division 3A – Week 3 Match Report
Waterford Vikings 1st XI vs Limerick Blasters 3rd XI
Gracedieu West, Co. Waterford – 3 May 2025

Match result: Waterford Vikings 1st XI beat Limerick Blasters 3rd XI by 6 wickets

In a low-scoring encounter at Gracedieu West, MCU debutants Waterford Vikings 1st XI secured a comfortable 6-wicket win over Limerick Blasters 3rd XI in their Munster Cricket Union Division 3A clash.

First Innings – Limerick Blasters 3rd XI: 79 all out (26.2 overs)

After being asked to bat first, Limerick Blasters never quite found their footing. The innings was plagued by frequent wickets and a disciplined bowling display from the Vikings.

Only A Chacko (12 off 35) and Sunu V Sam (13 off 23) managed double digits as the rest of the lineup fell cheaply. The Blasters struggled notably against the Vikings’ seam and spin attack.

The Waterford Vikings bowling unit were impeccable. B. Joseph, S Manikkoth and M Babu all took 2 wickets, with a combined average of less than 3. Regular breakthroughs and tight bowling — including several spells where dot balls and wides mounted pressure — saw Limerick collapse to 79 in under 27 overs.

Second Innings – Waterford Vikings 1st XI: 82/4 (16.5 overs)

Chasing a modest target, Waterford Vikings had an early wobble, reduced to 18/3 inside seven overs, courtesy of a spirited start from S Marasseril (3 wickets), who tore through the top order, dismissing J Alex, R Sebastian, and A John.

However, composure was restored by Kumar and D Toms, who steadied the chase with a key partnership. Despite losing Toms for 13, Kumar anchored the innings with an unbeaten 40, ensuring no further hiccups.

The finishing touches were stylishly applied by F Francis, who smashed a six and a four in the 17th over to wrap up the match in emphatic fashion.

Summary:

Limerick Blasters 3rd XI: 79 all out in 26.2 overs
Top scorer: A Chacko (12)
Waterford Vikings 1st XI: 82/4 in 16.5 overs
Top scorer: Kumar (40*)
Best bowling: S Marasseril 3 wickets

Result: Waterford Vikings 1st XI won by 6 wickets.

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Match Report – MCU Division 3B – Week 3

Nenagh CC 4th XI vs Limerick CC 4th XI
Date: 5 May 2025
Venue: The Manor Fields, Adare
Match Result: Nenagh CC 4th XI won by 99 runs

Nenagh CC 4th XI Innings: 221 all out (Overs: 37.3)

Nenagh CC 4th XI posted a strong total of 221 runs in 37.3 overs, building their innings on a steady foundation and middle-order contributions. After early pressure from the Limerick bowlers, a composed knock of 54 off 58 balls by P Thakre steadied the innings. He received support from multiple batters, notably Roshan Patel (21 off 23) and J Kurian (20 off 18), who added valuable runs in the latter stages.

Limerick’s bowlers produced moments of control, particularly AK Jayarman with 3 wickets and Riyan Shah, who picked up crucial middle-order wickets and maintained pressure. G Lingappan also claimed two wickets and bowled with good rhythm, while the spinners chipped in to restrict Nenagh from accelerating in the death overs.

The innings featured a flurry of extras—wides and no-balls adding significantly to the total—but Nenagh’s late runs from the lower order, including Jerin George (12) and Natarajan (6), proved crucial in taking the score past the 220 mark.

Limerick CC 4th XI Innings: 122 all out (Overs: 27.3)

Chasing 222 for victory, Limerick CC’s reply never gained momentum, eventually being bowled out for 122 runs in 27.3 overs. Their top and middle order collapsed under pressure from disciplined bowling by Nenagh, with no batter managing to anchor the chase effectively.

G Lingappan stood tall amidst the ruins, scoring a fighting 32 off 49 balls, showing some resistance. But wickets fell regularly at the other end, stifling any hopes of a recovery. The rest of the lineup struggled to handle the probing spells from Nenagh’s bowlers.

Roshan Patel was outstanding with the ball, claiming 6-3-9-3 at an incredible 1.5 RPO in a lethal spell that tore through the top and middle order. P Natarajan also took 3 scalps, combining tight lines with crucial breakthroughs to keep the scoring in check.

Despite a few cameos from Riyan Shah (10) and SS Lakshmanan (16), Limerick succumbed to scoreboard pressure and were eventually dismissed with over 12 overs to spare.

Key Performances:

P Thakre (Nenagh) – 54 (58)
G Lingappan (Limerick) – 32 (49) and 2 wickets
P Natarajan (Nenagh) – 3 wickets
AK Jayarman (Limerick) – 3 wickets

Summary:

Nenagh CC 4th XI put in a well-rounded performance with both bat and ball to clinch a commanding 99-run win over Limerick CC 4th XI. Their ability to build partnerships and strike at regular intervals with the ball proved the difference in this Division 3B encounter.

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Munster Premier Shield – Week 3 Match Report
Date: Monday, 5th May 2025
Venue: Farmers Cross, Cork
Match Result: Cork Harlequins 1st XI beat County Galway 1st XI by 117 runs

Cork Harlequins Dominate with Bat and Ball in Convincing Win Over Galway

In a commanding performance at Farmers Cross, Cork Harlequins 1st XI set out their stall in the Munster Premier Shield, outclassing County Galway 1st XI by 117 runs in warm conditions.

Having been put in to bat on a bright May morning, Harlequins produced a batting masterclass, amassing a daunting 281 for 3 in their 40 overs. The innings was anchored by a breathtaking knock from Shivam Kislay, who scored a scintillating 129 off just 96 deliveries, peppering the boundary with no fewer than 17 fours and three sixes. He shared a pivotal third-wicket stand with Matt Brewster, who provided an excellent mentor to Kislay, smashing and unbeaten 119 from 91 balls in 88 minutes. It was very much a case on “put on your hard hats” as Brewster launched the ball over the boundary rope on seven occasions, and cars in the carpark were definitely on notice!

Galway’s bowlers struggled for breakthroughs after the early dismissal of Dineth Sumanasinghe for 8. Despite some tight overs early on from Juneja and Sumit, they were unable to prevent the onslaught as Harlequins accelerated in the final 10 overs, plundering over 120 runs in the last 10. Kislay’s innings finally ended on the last ball of the innings, caught off the bowling of Singh, but the damage had long been done.

Scorecard Summary – Cork Harlequins 1st Innings: 281/3 (40 Overs)

Shivam Kislay – 129 (96)
Brewster – 119* (91)
Bowling: Singh (1/49), Juneja (1/45)

Galway’s Reply Falters Despite Verma’s Resistance

Chasing 282 for victory, County Galway needed a good start if they were to challenge Harlequins’ total. Seanán Jones, the opening Quins quick, clearly had other ideas. In a devastating spell of hostile and accurate bowling, the Galway top order melted away in the blazing sun. Jones took two wickets in consecutive balls in his first over, and reduced Galway to 3-5 inside 3 overs. The visitors never recovered, slipping to 87-5 by the 22nd over.

Harlequins’ bowling attack executed their plans with precision. Kieran O’Reilly replaced the pace of Jones with his wily spin, and he also starred with the ball, finishing with 3 wickets, effectively ending the game as a contest.

The only resistance of note came from A. Verma, who top-scored with a composed and undefeated 67 from 100 balls.

Galway’s lower order offered only token resistance, and appeared to ‘shut up shop’ in an effort to bat out their overs. A run-out and tight overs from Laubscher and Dangi closed the innings as Galway limped to 164 for 9 at the close of their 40 overs, still well short of the target.

Scorecard Summary – County Galway 1st Innings: 164/9 (40 Overs)

A. Verma – 67*
S. Mishra – 13
L. Sumit – 11
Bowling: Seanán Jones 6-2-14-3
Kieran O’Reilly 8-0-37-3
AS Dangi 8-4-20-1

Match Highlights:

Shivam Kislay’s 129 and Matt Brewster’s unbeaten 119 for Quins
A Verma’s dogged 67* as his team mates departed around him
O’Reilly’s 3-wicket haul proved pivotal in halting Galway’s chase before it gained momentum.
Seanán Jones and Kieran O’Reilly with 3 wickets each

Harlequins will look to build on this performance as they head into the next round with growing confidence. Galway, meanwhile, will hope to regroup and find form in their batting lineup ahead of their next fixture.

Around the grounds!