With no fewer than 6 matches abandoned due to the rain that has returned across Munster this week, cricket was at a premium. Here are your match reviews for the games that did go ahead!
MCU Division 1 Match Report
Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI secured a 5-wicket victory over County Kerry CC 2nd XI in their MCU Division 1 fixture at Croker’s Oval. The match, played on August 30th, saw a low-scoring first innings followed by a controlled chase from the home side.
First Innings: County Kerry CC 2nd XI
After winning the toss and electing to bat, County Kerry CC 2nd XI faced a disciplined bowling attack from the Limerick Blasters. The top order struggled to build significant partnerships, with Niyaz Khail top-scoring with 26 from 30 balls. The middle and lower order were unable to provide much resistance, and the team was bowled out for 99 runs in 20.2 overs.
The bowling effort for Limerick Blasters was spearheaded by Arun Kumar Harikumar, who took 3 wickets for 20 runs. Regis Rex and Praveen Poulose each made significant contributions, claiming 2 wickets apiece to maintain pressure on the batting side.
Second Innings: Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI
The run chase began with a challenging start for Limerick Blasters, as they found themselves at 3 wickets for just 3 runs. A critical partnership between Anunath Gopinathan Valsala (22) and Rahul Poulose (35) provided the stability needed to recover the innings. Poulose’s knock, which included three fours and a six, was crucial in shifting the momentum back in his team’s favour. Following his dismissal, Thomas Raju (27 not out) and George Raju (7 not out) completed the chase, guiding their team to 100/5 in 20.5 overs.
US Sherzad was the most effective bowler for Kerry, claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs. Hamza Mohammadi and Niyaz Khail also took a wicket each.
Match Summary
Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI’s victory was built on a strong collective bowling performance that limited the opposition, followed by a resilient batting effort that recovered from an early setback to secure the win. The match was defined by the turnaround in the Blasters’ innings, which was made possible by key contributions under pressure.
Hero of the Match: Rahul Poulose for his match-winning innings of 35 runs which rebuilt the Blasters’ innings after an early collapse and set them on the path to victory.
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MCU Division 1 T20 Match Report
Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI secured a 7-wicket victory over Clare CC 1st XI in a closely contested MCU Division 1 Twenty20 match at Ballycasey Clare Oval. The match, played on August 30th, showcased strong batting performances from both sides.
First Innings: Clare CC 1st XI
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Clare CC 1st XI overcame a difficult start to post a competitive total of 152/4. The top order was quickly dismissed, leaving them at 1-3 after just two overs. A critical partnership between Karthik Gajendra (51) and A Udin (19) provided stability. The innings was then dramatically accelerated by a powerful display from K Javed, who remained not out with a blistering 72 from just 35 balls, including seven fours and five sixes.
The most successful bowlers for Cork Harlequins were Seneth Sumanasinghe, who took 2 wickets for 24 runs, and Md Nazmul hasan Sajib, who claimed a wicket in his spell.
Second Innings: Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI
Chasing 153 for victory, Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI began their innings with a focused approach. Opener Dineth Sumanasinghe anchored the chase with an unbeaten 59 from 59 balls. He was supported by a quick-fire innings from Connor Stevenson, who scored 35 from 23 balls, including three sixes. Their crucial partnership ensured the team stayed well ahead of the required run rate. The chase was completed with eight balls to spare, with Jonathan McLaughlin scoring a rapid 17 not out to seal the win.
For Clare, Gurpreet Singh was the most effective bowler with 2 wickets for 26 runs, while S Pannerselvam also took a wicket.
Match Summary
The match was an exciting affair defined by two excellent individual batting efforts. K Javed’s explosive hitting gave Clare a strong total to defend, but Dineth Sumanasinghe’s calm and composed innings, supported by his partners, was ultimately the difference.
Hero of the Match: Dineth Sumanasinghe for his match-winning, unbeaten innings of 59 runs, which was crucial in guiding his team to a comfortable victory.
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MCU Division 3 A Match Report
Midleton CC 3rd XI secured a 50-run victory over County Kerry CC 4th XI in their MCU Division 3 A fixture at Townparks, Midleton. The match saw a strong batting performance from the home side, which their bowlers successfully defended.
First Innings: Midleton CC 3rd XI
After losing the toss and being put into bat, Midleton CC 3rd XI posted a challenging total of 215 all out in 39.1 overs. The innings was built around a superb performance by Murad Rasheed, who top-scored with a powerful 75 from just 52 balls, including eight fours and four sixes. He was well-supported by Mehul Dugar (25) and Sugadev Suman (22), who helped set a solid foundation.
For County Kerry, the bowling was disciplined. Kiran Josey was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 30 runs. Libin Philip and Jomin Thomas also contributed, taking two wickets each.
Second Innings: County Kerry CC 4th XI
Chasing a target of 216, County Kerry CC 4th XI‘s innings started with a series of quick wickets, leaving them struggling to build momentum. Libin Philip provided a resolute effort, anchoring the innings with a well-fought 71 from 80 balls. He was supported by Jomin Thomas (28), but the team was unable to withstand a formidable bowling attack and were eventually bowled out for 165 in 33.5 overs.
Atif Jameel delivered an exceptional bowling performance for Midleton, taking an impressive 6 wickets for just 25 runs. Nitin Patil and Hassan Munawar provided excellent support, each claiming two wickets to ensure the victory.
Match Summary
The match was defined by individual brilliance in both innings. While Murad Rasheed’s score gave Midleton the upper hand, it was Atif Jameel’s outstanding bowling that sealed the win. Despite a brave effort from Libin Philip, County Kerry’s batting lineup could not overcome the pressure from Midleton’s bowlers.
Hero of the Match: Atif Jameel for his outstanding spell of bowling that saw him claim six wickets, decisively breaking the back of the County Kerry chase.
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MCU Division 2 A Match Report
Nenagh CC 2nd XI secured a 13-run victory over Limerick CC 3rd XI in an MCU Division 2 A fixture at Knockshigowna Cricket Grounds. The result was determined by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, as play was curtailed due to conditions.
First Innings: Nenagh CC 2nd XI
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Nenagh CC 2nd XI posted a total of 183 all out in 36.3 overs. The innings saw a crucial half-century from Naveen George, who scored 51 from 35 balls with four fours and three sixes. He was supported by a solid contribution from opener Vimal John Mathai, who made 39. The most successful bowler for Limerick was Parth Borghare, who was in excellent form, claiming four wickets for just 26 runs. Waqar Ahmed and Ayan Ullah also contributed with two wickets each.
Second Innings: Limerick CC 3rd XI
Chasing the target, Limerick CC 3rd XI‘s innings progressed to 144/7 in 35 overs before the match was called. They were unable to maintain the required run rate, with the Nenagh bowlers applying consistent pressure. The innings was anchored by Ayan Ullah, who finished on 24 not out, and supported by Sathya Prabu Sivakumar (19) and Jeevankrishna Jeevankrishna (18), but no one was able to play a match-winning innings. For Nenagh, the bowling was disciplined, with Roshan Patel standing out for his economical spell, taking one wicket for 11 runs. Tony Kurian and Sri Teja also bowled well, each picking up a wicket.
Match Summary
Nenagh’s total of 183, bolstered by Naveen George’s fifty, proved to be a difficult target. Despite a determined effort from Limerick, their innings was unable to reach the DLS-adjusted target, leading to a win for the home side.
Hero of the Match: Naveen George for his excellent half-century, which was the highest score of the match and provided the foundation for Nenagh to post a winning total.
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MCU U15 League Match Report
Limerick CC U15 XI secured an 11-run victory over Cork County CC U15 XI in a close MCU U15 League fixture at The Mardyke. The match was a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, with both sides displaying promising talent.
First Innings: Limerick CC U15 XI
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Limerick CC U15 XI posted a challenging total of 160/6 in their allotted 28 overs. The innings was built around a fantastic half-century from opener Abubakar Azizuallah, who retired not out on 50 runs from 52 balls, providing a solid foundation. Contributions from SS Lakshmanan (19), CJ Shinde (16), and Arham Ullah (10 not out) helped push the score to a formidable total.
For Cork County, Senan O’Connell was the most effective bowler, claiming 1 wicket. James Venter, E Liam Ross, and Dhairya Sharma also picked up a wicket each.
Second Innings: Cork County CC U15 XI
In pursuit of 161 runs for victory, Cork County CC U15 XI fought hard but ultimately fell short, finishing all out for 149 in 27.3 overs. The chase was anchored by Elham Momand, who played a brilliant innings of 50 not out before retiring. He was supported by K Gude (35) and AA Muhammad (21), who kept the team’s hopes alive. However, the Limerick bowlers were able to apply consistent pressure, taking wickets at key moments to stifle the chase.
The bowling attack for Limerick was led by a fantastic performance from Arham Ullah, who took four crucial wickets for just 23 runs. Yousaf Ramay also contributed significantly with two wickets.
Match Summary
This was a well-played match by both teams. While Abubakar Azizuallah‘s retired half-century set the stage for Limerick’s victory, it was Arham Ullah’s decisive bowling performance in the second innings that truly turned the tide. His four-wicket haul proved to be the key difference in a closely contested game.
Hero of the Match: Arham Ullah for his outstanding bowling performance, taking four wickets that sealed the victory for his team.
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