Week 6 Match Reviews: a Snapshot

MCU Division 3 T20 – Week 6 Match Report
County Kerry 4th XI vs Clare 3rd XI
📍 Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon – 24 May 2025
🟢 Result: County Kerry CC 4th XI won by 14 runs (DLS method)

🔥 Match Summary

In a high-octane Week 6 fixture of the Munster Cricket Union Division 3 T20 Group 1, County Kerry 4th XI overcame Clare 3rd XI by 14 runs via the DLS method, defending a commanding first-innings total of 199/3 at the Ballycasey Clare Oval.

🏏 First Innings – Kerry Batting Masterclass (199/3)

Kerry put on a dominant display with the bat, posting an imposing 199 for 3 in their 20 overs. The backbone of the innings was a brutal and measured partnership between Stephen Jonnalagadda (68* from 43) and Philip (70* from 36), who feasted on Clare’s bowling in the latter overs.

Key Moments:

• Despite early wickets, the middle and lower-middle order capitalized, especially from over 10 onward, with Jonnalagadda accelerating in the death overs. Jonnalagadda and Libin Philip hit a combined total of 4×13 and 6×8
• Jonnalagadda was particularly aggressive, hitting a flurry of boundaries including multiple sixes off Rushi and James, finishing with a flourish.
• Clare bowlers struggled to maintain discipline, conceding several no-balls and wides that disrupted rhythm and cost crucial runs.

Bowling Highlights (Clare):

• Zari Waraich was econimical and accurate, restricting the Kerry batters to only 4.5RPO from his spell.
• However, the Kerry batters counter-attacked effectively, particularly targeting Clare’s death bowling, where extras and boundaries piled up.

🏏 Second Innings – Clare Fall Short in DLS Chase (151/7)

Chasing a revised target under DLS, Clare 3rd XI showed fight but fell 14 runs short, ending at 151/7.

Key Moments:

• Clare’s innings began with promise. Channabasappa and Tejas Dagha laid a strong foundation with aggressive stroke play, taking the score to 45/0 in just 4 overs.
• The innings unraveled with Libin Philip and Jomin Thomas striking in quick succession, removing set batters and applying the brakes.
• A middle-order collapse saw wickets tumble despite a spirited cameo from Hrushikesh Pardeshi (41 off 26), who briefly reignited hopes with an explosive burst.
• By taking regular wickets, the Kerry side were able to restrict the Clare chase.

Bowling Highlights (Kerry):

• Libin Philip and Jomin Thomas were instrumental, sharing four key wickets between them.
• Shinde’s late spell closed out the chase with control and wickets, ensuring Kerry stayed ahead of the DLS par.

📊 Scorecard Summary

County Kerry 4th XI: 199/3 (20 overs)

• S. Jonnalagadda – explosive finish
• Philip – dynamic and vital contribution with 70* from just 36 balls

Clare 3rd XI: 151/7 (DLS Target)

• Hrushikesh Pardeshi – 41 (26)
• Jomin Thomas – multiple key wickets
• Libin Philip – crucial breakthroughs

📝 Conclusion

County Kerry 4th XI showcased depth and composure, combining power-hitting with disciplined bowling. Clare 3rd XI fought admirably but lacked the late-innings firepower needed to pull off the steep chase.

The victory keeps Kerry well-positioned in the group standings as the tournament heats up.

Munster Cricket Union – Division 1 Match Report (Week 6)
Date: 24 May 2025
Venue: The Farm, Curraheen, UCC, Cork
Match: Cork County 2nd XI vs UCC 1st XI
Result: UCC 1st XI won by 6 wickets

Clinical UCC Overpower Cork County in Confident Chase

In a tightly contested Week 6 Division 1 fixture of the Munster Cricket Union at The Farm, UCC 1st XI continued their strong form with a convincing 6-wicket victory over Cork County 2nd XI, chasing down 208 with relative ease and composure.

First Innings: Cork County 2nd XI – 207 all out (45 overs)

Cork County, batting first, endured a rollercoaster innings, eventually folding for 207 in their allotted 45 overs. The innings was anchored by Girish Khot, who played a mature and resilient knock of 77 off 99 balls, keeping the innings together even as wickets fell around him.

However, Cork County’s start was less than ideal. UCC’s bowling attack, led by the wily Suraj Singh and the persistent I Haider, made regular inroads. Early pressure saw the top order crumble to 12/3, with Haider striking twice in the first over to dismiss Ashwani Tomar and skipper Ishaan Singh Seehra for ducks.

A crucial middle-order partnership between Khot and Krish Karthik Gopal (36 off 43) steadied the ship, lifting the side past the 100-mark. Gopal, aggressive when needed, struck some handy boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Just as the pair looked to launch a final assault, Albert Kokkandathil Lorance broke through, removing Gopal and later getting the prized scalp of Khot as Cork County faltered again in the death overs.

Lower-order contributions from Pratheek Chappanda (10) and Mark Donnelly (9) pushed the total to 207, but it felt below par on a decent batting surface.

Key Bowling Performances for UCC:

• I Haider 9-3-21-3
• Suraj Singh: 8.1-0-47-2
• Albert Kokkandathil Lorance: 5-0-35-2

Second Innings: UCC 1st XI – 208/4 (in 42.3 overs)

Chasing 208, UCC’s top order never looked in serious trouble. A solid opening stand laid the foundation, and despite the odd breakthrough by Cork County’s bowlers, UCC always looked in control of the required rate.

The composure and structure of UCC’s batting highlighted their depth and confidence as they crossed the target with 2.3 overs to spare and 6 wickets in hand.

Adnan Abbas 82 (102)

Muhammad Rizwan* 49 (79)

Chirag Mahajan 23*(16)

Summary

This win further cements UCC 1st XI’s standing in the MCU Division 1 ladder. Cork County 2nd XI, despite flashes of promise, will be left to rue missed opportunities – particularly their inability to capitalise on the start provided by Khot.

MCU Division 3 T20 Group 3 – Week 6 Match Report
Cork Harlequins 4th XI vs Limerick 4th XI
Venue: Farmers Cross, Cork
Result: Cork Harlequins 4th XI won by 41 runs

Cork Harlequins 4th XI set the tone with 201/5

In a dominant batting display, Cork Harlequins 4th XI racked up an imposing total of 201/5 in their 20 overs against Limerick 4th XI. The innings was anchored by a fluent 59 off 43 balls from Sachin Yewale, whose composed knock at the top laid the platform for the fireworks that followed.

After the opening stand of 80 runs between Yewale and Dave Peet (19 off 23), the Harlequins maintained a steady run rate, with Rahul Pal adding a splendid and undefeated 47 off 33 balls, and a late onslaught from skipper Bilal Ahsan, who smashed 37 off just 16 deliveries in 18 crazy minutes, including two sixes and four boundaries.

Despite Limerick’s efforts with the ball—especially from Riyan Shah, who picked up the key wicket of De Jager and was involved in a run-out—Harlequins capitalised on extras and some loose bowling at the death to boost their total past the 200-mark.

Limerick 4th XI reply with 160/5 – a valiant chase falls short

Chasing 202 for victory, Limerick made a brisk start thanks to Pavan Prajapati (40 off 38) and Sundar MK (23 off 16), who took the score past 60 without loss. However, a flurry of wickets through the middle overs—triggered by an excellent spell from Ahmed Khan, who claimed 2 wickets including a key caught dismissal of Sundar—shifted momentum in favour of the hosts.

The middle order tried to rebuild, with Jeevankrishna and Deepak Nagaraju contributing useful cameos. But the increasing required rate and a disciplined effort from Harlequins’ bowlers—particularly Jon Russell and Ethan Newton, who struck at crucial moments—ensured that Limerick could never quite recover. Young Limerick keeper/batter Skandan  Lakshmanan scored a very handy 36 from 31 balls to keep the scoreboard ticking along for a good while

In the end, Limerick closed on 160/5, 41 runs short of the target, with young Quins seamer Ahmed Khan claiming 2 scalps in his three overs.

Key Performances

• Cork Harlequins 4th XI
  • Sachin Yewale – 59 (43)
  • Bilal Ahsan – 37 (16)
  • Ahmed Khan –  3-0-28-2
• Limerick 4th XI
  • Pavan Prajapati – 40 (38)
  • Skandan Lakshmanan 36 (31)
  • Sundar MK – 23 (16)

Summary

A well-rounded performance from Cork Harlequins 4th XI saw them claim a convincing 41-run victory in this high-scoring T20 encounter. With contributions from both top and lower order, and effective spells from their bowlers, Harlequins demonstrated their strong form in MCU Division 3 T20 Group 3. Limerick showed spirit, especially with the bat early on, but couldn’t sustain the momentum against a composed and clinical Harlequins unit.

MCU Division 2 T20 – Week 5 Match Report
Sunday, 25th May 2025
Townparks, Midleton
Cork Harlequins 3rd XI (152/9) defeated Midleton 3rd XI (141 all out) by 11 runs

Cork Harlequins 3rd XI claimed a crucial 11-run victory over Midleton 3rd XI in a tightly contested Division 2 T20 clash at Townparks on Sunday. The match saw moments of brilliance from both sides, but it was Jatin Jaitley’s explosive knock and Bilal Hasan’s incisive spell and 3 tight run outs that ultimately proved decisive.

First Innings: Cork Harlequins 3rd XI – 152/9 (20 overs)

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Harlequins faced early trouble as top-order batters CC Stevenson (8), Sachin Yewale (5), and Z Baramatiwala (5) all fell cheaply, with Hassan Munawar wreaking havoc during the powerplay. Munawar delivered a devastating opening spell, claiming 4 wickets for just 25 runs in his 4 overs.

Harlequins’ innings was revived by a sensational counterattack from Jatin Jaitley, who smashed 66 runs off 37 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes. His aggressive approach turned the tide and gave Harlequins the platform they needed. Contributions from the lower order — Md Nazmul Hasan Sajib (11), Eric Cotter (8), and Aidan Brokenshire (12) — added vital runs as the visitors posted a competitive 152/9 from their 20 overs.

Murad Rasheed (2-13) bowled with remarkable control, while Sriram Yarram and Nitin Patil chipped in with a wicket each.

Second Innings: Midleton 3rd XI – 141 all out (19 overs)

In response, Midleton’s chase never quite took flight. Opener Rehan Qammar (5) was run out early by a sharp piece of work from evergreen Quins man Eric Cotter, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Despite losing partners around him, Murad Rasheed played a explosive knock of 49 off 38 balls, keeping Midleton in contention.

Nitin Patil provided a brief spark with a rapid 25 off 20, including a six, but Harlequins’ bowlers kept their nerve. Bilal Ahsan (2-29) struck twice, while Sachin Yewale, Md Nazmul Hasan Sajib, and S Jaybhaye each took a wicket to slow Midleton’s momentum. Young seamer Aidan Brokenshire nicked off Hassan Munawar and fellow youth player Callum Stevenson took the catch behind the stumps.

Crucially, Harlequins capitalised on three run-outs — including Arun Kumar R, Jaspal Singh, and Sriram Yarram — showcasing sharp fielding under pressure. In failing light, Midleton were bowled out for 141, falling 11 runs short in a tense finale.

Hero of the Match: Jatin Jaitley

For his match-defining innings of 66 off 37 balls that transformed Harlequins’ innings after early losses, Jatin Jaitley was deservedly named Hero of the Match. His knock not only rescued his team but also set up the eventual win.

With this win, Cork Harlequins 3rd XI have consolidated their position mid table in Division 2, while Midleton 3rd XI will look to regroup and bounce back in the coming fixtures.

Match Report: MCU Division 2 T20 – Week 6
Lismore CC 1st XI vs Waterford & District CC 1st XI
Venue: Castlelands Cricket Ground, Lismore, Waterford
Date: 25 May 2025
Result: Lismore CC 1st XI won by 36 runs

Lismore CC 1st XI innings: 194/8 (20 overs)

Lismore CC produced a commanding batting display, posting a formidable 194/8 in their 20 overs. The standout performance came from Sarath Jose, who anchored the innings with a blistering 93 off 55 balls, smashing boundaries to all parts of the ground. He was particularly punishing in the middle overs, dispatching bowlers for multiple sixes off Sandeep and AJ Tavro.

Despite losing early wickets, including Miguel Carolino (19 off 12) and B Pillai (3 off 7), Lismore’s middle order stabilized thanks to Jose’s brilliance. Contributions from Jomy Kuriachan (15 off 10) and a late cameo from Jibrin Augustine (16 off 7) ensured the hosts finished with a daunting total.

SK Jayaram was the pick of the bowlers for Waterford, claiming 3 wickets, while Benjamin Martin, Anbazhagan Aroumont, AJ Tavro and R Khalily (Rashid) picked up one apiece.

Waterford & District CC 1st XI innings: 158/7 (20 overs)

In response, Waterford’s chase never truly gained the momentum needed to challenge the target. Despite a few entertaining partnerships, the Lismore bowlers maintained tight control. Early breakthroughs by Michael Talbot—including the wicket of Anbazhagan Aroumont for a duck and Sandeep for 18—put the visitors under pressure.

AJ Tavro played a valiant knock of 32 off 29, trying to resurrect the innings in the middle overs. Late efforts by SK Jayaram (23*) and Benjamin Martin (9*) added some respectability, but the required run rate climbed steeply.

Sarath Jose capped off his all-round display with the ball, taking 2 key wickets, to derail Waterford’s chase. Michael Talbot and S KS also claimed 2 scalps apiece, ensuring Waterford never threatened the target.

🏅 Hero of the Match: Sarath Jose (Lismore CC)

With a scintillating 93 off 55 balls and 2 wickets for 30 runs, Sarath Jose was the undisputed star of the day. His innings laid the platform for Lismore’s imposing total, and his timely strikes with the ball dismantled Waterford’s top order.

Summary:

A complete performance from Lismore keeps them in strong form in MCU Division 2, while Waterford will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.

Match Report – MCU Division 2 T20, Week 6
Limerick Blasters 2nd XI vs United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI
Date: 25 May 2025
Venue: Croker’s Oval, Ballyneety
Result: Limerick Blasters 2nd XI won by 4 runs (DLS method)

In a rain-affected thriller at Croker’s Oval, Limerick Blasters 2nd XI edged past United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI by just 4 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in what proved to be a high-octane encounter in Week 6 of the MCU Division 2 T20.

First Innings – Limerick Blasters 2nd XI: 186/6

Batting first, Limerick Blasters put up a formidable total of 186/6 in their allotted overs, anchored by a sensational late flourish from Ajith A, who scored a whirlwind and unbeaten 72 off 42 balls*. His late fireworks included 3 sixes and 9 fours, with 19 runs coming off the final over bowled by Shoaib Khan.

The innings started cautiously, but the middle order, led by Feby K Keepanasseril Roby (15) and Arun Mohan (17), laid a steady platform. A middle-overs collapse saw Limerick lose quick wickets, but Ajith, with support from the explosive Kurackalattuchira (29* off 11- including 3 sixes), revived the innings in stunning fashion. Their unbeaten 9th-wicket stand yielded 41 runs in the last 3 overs.

Babar Ali and Philip Samson Francis were the pick of the Clonmel bowlers with 2 wickets each, including the dismissal of Paulson George and a double-strike in the 16th over that momentarily swung momentum Clonmel’s way.

Second Innings – United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI: 75/3 (Rain-curtailed)

Chasing a revised target due to rain, Clonmel’s innings was stifled by disciplined bowling from Limerick. While Muhammad Arbaz Amjad Kushar (15 off 10) gave a brisk start with two boundaries and a six, a key run-out in the third over halted the early momentum.

Clonmel’s progress was repeatedly checked by wickets at crucial intervals. Ajith A continued his stellar day by taking the crucial wicket of Philip Samson Francis.

Despite a quickfire burst of 32 runs off 22 balls from Babar Ali that included two sixes and two fours in the 5th over, Clonmel fell short of the par score as the rain intervened, sealing Limerick’s narrow DLS victory.

Hero of the Match: Ajith A

There were standout performances on both sides, but Ajith A was undeniably the Hero of the Match. His unbeaten 72 off 42 balls*, combined with 1 wicket, proved instrumental in Limerick Blasters’ nail-biting win.

Key Performers:

• Ajith A – 72* (42), 1 wickets (Limerick Blasters) ⭐
• AT Kurackalattuchira – 29* (11), 1 wicket (Limerick Blasters)
• Philip Samson Francis – 2 wickets (Clonmel)
• Babar Ali – 32 (explosive cameo), 2 wickets (Clonmel)
• Muhammad Arbaz Amjad Kushar – 15 (Clonmel)

This thrilling clash has significantly boosted Limerick Blasters 2nd XI’s momentum in the MCU Division 2 standings, while United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI will be ruing missed chances and a few costly overs in a rain-shortened classic.

Our match reviews are a snapshot of matches across the MCU. Our goal is to highlight each club wherever possible. We encourage all clubs to submit team photographs and matchday images via the photo sharing WhatsApp group, or via email to programmes@munstercricket.ie

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