MCU Division 1 T20: Clare CC Secures Narrow Victory Over Midleton CC 2nd XI
Shannon, Clare Oval: In a closely contested MCU Division 1 T20 match on Saturday, June 7th, Clare CC 1st XI defeated Midleton CC 2nd XI by two wickets. Clare successfully chased down Midleton’s total of 146 for 6 with two wickets to spare.
Midleton’s Innings: Late Boost Propels Them to 146
Midleton CC 2nd XI, batting first, reached a total of 146 for 6 in their 20 overs. Zuhair Shah played a significant innings, scoring 40 runs off 26 balls, providing a solid platform for Midleton. He was supported by R Muhammad (25 off 40) in the middle order. Towards the end of the innings, Fayyaz Khan (28*) and A Nagarajan(12*) contributed vital runs, with Khan hitting a six in the 18th over and both batsmen finding boundaries in the final over, helping Midleton to a competitive total.
Clare’s bowlers applied pressure at various stages. Vignesh was particularly effective, claiming 3 wickets, including the quick dismissals of Muhammad Shabir (13) and Jigar Vyas (0) in the 15th over. WS Qureshi also picked up a key wicket, dismissing Zuhair Shah.
Clare’s Chase: A Tense Finish
Chasing 147 for victory, Clare CC 1st XI reached the target with 150 for 8. Their innings began with a setback as Ahammad Kaleel Basha Shaik (5) was dismissed early by Danish Iqbal. However, Vignesh then took control, playing a crucial innings of 52 runs off just 29 balls, which included three sixes in the 5th over. This rapid scoring put Clare in a strong position.
Despite Vignesh’s dismissal, A Udin (31 off 30) continued to contribute. Midleton’s bowlers, including Fayyaz Khan (2 wickets) and Muhammad Shabir (2 wickets), fought back in the latter overs, picking up quick wickets and creating a tense finish. However, Z Abdul Rehman (18)* and W Ali managed to guide Clare across the finish line with a few balls to spare.
Hero of the Match:
Vignesh of Clare CC 1st XI is recognized as the hero of the match for his impactful all-round performance. His three crucial wickets in the first innings helped restrict Midleton, and his aggressive half-century in the chase was instrumental in setting Clare on the path to victory.
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Nenagh CC Edges Out County Kerry CC 2nd XI in T20 Thriller
Tralee, Oyster Oval: In a tightly contested MCU Division 1 T20 match on Saturday, June 7th, Nenagh CC 1st XI secured a 13-run victory over County Kerry CC 2nd XI. Nenagh successfully defended their total of 124 for 8, restricting Kerry to 111 all out.
Nenagh’s Innings: Key Contributions Amidst Regular Wickets
Nenagh CC, batting first, posted 124 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. While wickets fell at regular intervals, crucial contributions from Roshan Patel (19) at the top of the order and Sreenivas Pockathara Maniappan (19) in the middle provided stability. Cinulal Varickatharappel was a significant contributor, scoring 32 off 36 balls and anchoring parts of the innings. Towards the end, Ramesh Chandran (25 off 18) provided a vital late surge, including a six in the final over, pushing Nenagh to a defendable total.
County Kerry’s bowlers shared the wickets around. Kashif Mehmood Khan was particularly effective, claiming 3 wickets, while Majid Yousaf also took 2 wickets.
County Kerry’s Chase: Mid-Innings Collapse Proves Costly
In pursuit of 125, County Kerry CC 2nd XI started cautiously but steadily. Ahmed Bilal (8) and Darragh Lynch (8) made starts, but it was Libin Philip (12) who showed some early promise. However, Nenagh’s bowlers began to exert pressure. Umair Akber was instrumental in stifling Kerry’s middle order, picking up 3 wickets, including crucial dismissals of Darragh Lynch and Numan Ahmad. Naveen George also contributed significantly with 3 wickets.
Despite Niyaz Khail’s resilient innings of 26 off 24 balls and a late effort from S G B Jonnalagadda (17), Kerry struggled to build substantial partnerships. Stephen Jonnalagadda was the leading run scorer in the Kerry chase, but he ran out of partners, being stranded on 33 not out. A run out eventually sealed Kerry’s fate, falling short by 13 runs.
Hero of the Match:
The hero of the match is awarded to Cinulal Varickatharappel of Nenagh CC 1st XI. His innings of 32 provided crucial stability for Nenagh’s total, allowing them to reach a defendable score despite losing wickets consistently.
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United Cricket Clonmel 2nd XI Victorious in T20 Clash Against Lismore CC 2nd XI
Clonmel, Lisronagh Castle Grounds: In an MCU Division 3 T20 Group 2 fixture on Saturday, June 7th, United Cricket Clonmel 2nd XI secured a 7-wicket victory over Lismore CC 2nd XI. Clonmel successfully chased Lismore’s total of 112 with 7 overs to spare.
Lismore’s Innings: Late Order Contributions Boost Total
Lismore CC 2nd XI, batting first, were dismissed for 112. After an early wicket by B Krishnan, who dismissed Binoj Babu Girija on the first ball, Lismore struggled to build significant partnerships in the initial overs. Daniel Dixon (3) and Renjith Shaji (1) fell cheaply. Kevin Cotter (11) and Carl Ashley (10) offered some resistance in the middle order. However, it was Vins Jose who provided a crucial late surge, top-scoring with 23 runs off 20 balls, including a six in the 17th over. F Basheer (29*) also contributed to the late runs, hitting two boundaries in the 18th and 20th overs.
United Cricket Clonmel’s bowlers performed well to restrict Lismore. Abimon Kizhakkethottam was particularly effective, taking 3 wickets.
United Cricket Clonmel’s Chase: Controlled Pursuit of Target
In response, United Cricket Clonmel 2nd XI comfortably chased down the target, reaching 117 for 3. Opener Robin Raj set up the victory with a fine 78 off just 46 balls. Mohammad Imamuddin lchipped in with 11 runs.
Despite the early Clonmel success, Lismore managed to pick up three wickets through Patrick Byrne, who dismissed Mohammad Imamuddin (11), Hemanth Naik Vamkdoth (0), and Libin Raj (0). However, the damage had largely been done by the openers.Hero of the Match:
The hero of the match is awarded to Robin Raj of United Cricket Clonmel 2nd XI. His aggressive start to the chase, including 8 fours and 3 sixes put his team in a commanding position from which they never looked back.
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Limerick Blasters Edge UCC in High-Scoring T20 Encounter
Ballyneety, Croker’s Oval: In a closely contested MCU Division 1 T20 match on Saturday, June 7th, Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI defeated UCC CC 1st XI by 3 wickets in a chase of 157 runs.
UCC’s Innings: Gahlot’s Half-Century Provides Strong Foundation
UCC CC 1st XI, batting first, posted a competitive total of 156 for 5 in their 20 overs. Muhammad Rizwan started aggressively with 19 off 7 balls before being dismissed. The innings was anchored by Sagar Gahlot, who scored an impressive 53 runs off 45 deliveries, including two sixes in the 15th over. S Nagaraj (19) provided support early on. In the death overs, S Belwal (14)* and H Lawrence (27)* added quick runs, with Belwal hitting a six in the final over, pushing UCC to a strong total.
Limerick Blasters’ bowlers had moments of success. AT Kurackalattuchira picked up 3 wickets, including the early dismissal of Muhammad Rizwan and Vikranth Masina (4). Regis Rex also claimed a wicket, as did Arun Kumar Harikumar.
Limerick Blasters’ Chase: A Collective Effort Secures Victory
Chasing 157 for victory, Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI reached the target with 158 for 7. Their innings saw significant contributions throughout the batting order. Anunath Gopinathan Valsala (12) and George Raju (34) laid a solid foundation. George Raju played a crucial role in the middle overs, hitting several boundaries. Arun Mohan (15) also made a steady contribution.
The chase was propelled by Ajith A, who scored a quickfire 34 off 23 balls, including a six and two fours in the 13th over. Despite losing wickets at key moments, including Regis Rex (7) and Ajith A, Jeffin Mathew (24 off 14) provided critical acceleration towards the end, hitting two sixes and two fours in the 18th over. AT Kurackalattuchira (12)* then hit a six and a four in the final over to seal the victory for Limerick Blasters.
UCC’s bowlers worked hard, with I Haider and S Belwal both claiming 2 wickets, but they were unable to contain the scoring rate sufficiently to deny the Limerick side.
Hero of the Match:
The hero of the match is awarded to Ajith A of Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI. His impactful innings of 34 runs, scored at a brisk pace, was crucial in maintaining the required run rate during the chase and setting up the victory for his team.
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Cork County Women’s 1st XI Dominates Limerick CC Women’s 1st XI in T15 Superleague
Cork, The Mardyke: In a decisive MCU T15 Women Superleague match on Sunday, June 8th, Cork County CC Women’s 1st XI secured a 30-run victory over Limerick CC Women’s 1st XI. Cork County posted a strong total of 115 for 3 and successfully defended it by restricting Limerick to 85 for 3.
Cork County’s Innings: Kamel’s Retirement Sparks Late Flurry
Cork County CC Women’s 1st XI, batting first, put up a formidable 115 for 3 in their 15 overs. Openers N Padaniya (16) and R Mukhopadhayay (8 – retired not out) provided a steady start. The innings was bolstered by a significant performance from Sara Kamel, who retired not out after scoring 50 runs off just 28 balls, featuring nine boundaries. Her aggressive batting set the tone for a high total. After Kamel’s retirement and Ciara Spalding’s (11) dismissal, Suzanne Kamel (0) and E O’Shea (3)* along with A Mackenzie (4)* added crucial runs in the final overs, including a boundary from Mackenzie on the last ball.
Limerick CC’s bowlers faced a challenging task. M Munckhof picked up 2 wickets, including the dismissal of Ciara Spalding and Suzanne Kamel. Sana George also claimed a wicket.
Limerick’s Chase
Chasing 116 for victory, Limerick CC Women’s 1st XI fought very hard and clearly valued their wickets. M Munckhof (4) and S Shashikumar (18) opened the innings but found it difficult to accelerate against tight bowling. Sana George (23) provided the most significant contribution for Limerick, playing some lovely shots, but the required run rate steadily climbed.
Cork County’s bowlers maintained good control throughout the innings. Suzanne Kamel was effective, picking up a key wicket and bowling economically. Ciara Spalding also claimed a wicket, dismissing Sana George. N Padaniya secured a late wicket, dismissing S Shashikumar.
Hero of the Match:
The hero of the match is undoubtedly Sara Kamel of Cork County CC Women’s 1st XI. Her innings of 50 runs, retired not out, was the cornerstone of Cork County’s strong total and proved to be the difference between the two sides. It is a testament to the development of the women’s league that both teams applied themselves wholeheartedly to the game, and played it in impeccable spirit.
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Cork Harlequins CC Secures Win Over Clare CC in Low-Scoring T20
Shannon, Ballycasey Clare Oval: In an MCU Division 1 T20 match on Saturday, June 7th, Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI defeated Clare CC 1st XI by 5 wickets. Clare was bowled out for just 68, a total Harlequins chased down comfortably.
Clare’s Innings: Harlequins’ Bowlers Dominate
Clare CC 1st XI, batting first, struggled to come to terms with the accuracy of the Quins attack. The innings began with a flurry of wickets, as S Sumanasinghe and T Senthil Kumar Kavitha dismissed the top order, leaving Clare at 0 for 1 after the first over and then 3 for 3 in the second over. WS Qureshi (0), Ahammad Kaleel Basha Shaik (2), Usama Amjad (0), and Vignesh (0) all fell cheaply.
Muhammad Fawwad Siddiqui (7) and K Javed (5) tried to rebuild, but it was R Shahid (16) and W Ali (14) who provided the most significant resistance, putting on a brief partnership and finding the boundary. However, the consistent pressure from Harlequins’ bowlers proved too much. T Senthil Kumar Kavitha claimed 3 wickets, Magesh Kumar also picked up 2 wickets, as did the young spinner Seneth Sumanasinghe. Md Nazmul Hasan Sajib and Craig Taylor also contributed with wickets.
Cork Harlequins’ Chase
Chasing a modest target of 69, Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI reached 73 for 5, securing victory with 9.1 overs to spare. Despite an early wicket by K Javed, dismissing CC Stevenson (1), Harlequins’ chase was spearheaded by Craig Taylor, who top-scored with 27 runs off 19 balls. He formed a crucial partnership with Dineth Sumanasinghe (21)*, who played a steady hand and saw his team to victory. Taylor was particularly aggressive, hitting a six and several fours.
Clare’s bowlers tried to make inroads, with W Ali picking up 3 wickets, including the crucial dismissals of Ted Williamson (6) and T Senthil Kumar Kavitha (0) in quick succession. Vignesh also claimed a wicket. However, the modest target meant that even with a few late wickets, Harlequins were always in control.
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