Farmers Cross | Cork Harlequins CC | 27th May 2025
Match Report: MCC XI vs Munster Heat- MCC XI claim victory over Munster Heat in rain-shortened T20
Persistent rainfall overnight resulted in what was originally scheduled to be a 45-over clash between the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and Munster Heat to be reduced to a T20 encounter.
MCC XI Batting Highlights – 167/5 (20 Overs)
Led by captain Jack Tector, familiar to Munster cricket fans from his Interprovincial debut with the Munster Reds in 2017, the MCC XI took to the crease first and posted a competitive total of 167 for 5.
The innings was anchored by Reece Malone, who struck a fluent 67 from 47 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes. He found support from Dyer and Sane in the later overs, who added valuable runs during the final push. Notably, Malone dominated the 15th over with a six and a four off Hassan Khan, accelerating the innings after a steady middle period.
Despite regular wickets falling — including the early departure of opener Swapnil Modgill, lbw for 15 after a flurry of extras and boundaries — MCC recovered well. The Heat bowlers, toiled in the middle overs but struggled to contain a strong batting line-up.
Highlights included the performances of youth players Mark Donnelly, William Shields and Cronan Healy Browne, and the efforts of young keeper Dineth Sumanasinghe behind the stumps. Hamdullah Safi took 2 wickets, and Shields, Sumanasinghe and Healy Browne all chipped in with one apiece, as the MCC innings closed on 167/5.
Munster Heat Response – 131 All Out (17.3 Overs)
Chasing 168, Munster Heat started with intent but struggled to build lasting partnerships. Mark Andrianatos provided a bright spark at the top of the order with a rapid 40 off 27 deliveries, showcasing his aggressive intent with boundaries and a six off Modgill.
However, once Andrianatos was dismissed by Reece Malone in the 10th over, the innings began to falter.
The MCC bowlers applied sustained pressure, with Mohit Sane starring with 4 wickets, including a crucial spell that removed Awais Saghir, Sunila Gautum, Nabi and Thorne Prophet. Swapnil Modgill snared three wickets, most notably the big-hitting Adrianatos.
Late cameos from Dineth Sumanasinghe (27 off 26) provided brief hope, but wickets tumbled regularly, and the tail was mopped up with sharp catching and tight lines from Harry Dyer and TW Murphy.
Result: MCC XI won by 36 runs
The MCC XI maintained their proud touring tradition with a clinical performance, blending discipline with flair. For Munster Heat, there were some really encouraging signs — especially from Andrianatos and Dineth — but consistency eluded them in the face of a strong and experienced opposition.
The match proved to be another valuable learning experience for Munster’s emerging talents, and a fine showcase of the ongoing relationship between MCC and Munster cricket.
Player of the Match: Reece Malone (MCC XI) – 67 runs and a key catch
Match scorecard: https://bit.ly/4kHbzZH
