There was more great cricket played across the MCU last weekend, despite eight matches washed out by persistent rain.
MCU Division 2/3 T20 Group A — Week 8
Cork Harlequins CC 3rd XI vs. UCC CC 1st XI
Venue: Farmers Cross, Cork
Date: 3 June 2026
Toss: UCC CC 1st XI won the toss and elected to bowl
Result: Cork Harlequins CC 3rd XI won by 4 runs
Match Report
In a closely contested Week 8 fixture of the MCU Division 2/3 T20 Group A at Farmers Cross, Cork Harlequins CC 3rd XI secured a narrow 4-run victory over UCC CC 1st XI, defending a total of 121.
First Innings: Cork Harlequins CC 3rd XI Batting
After being put into bat, Cork Harlequins got off to a steady start in the powerplay, reaching 36 runs for the loss of one wicket. Opener Sachin Yewale contributed 16 runs off 14 balls before being caught and bowled by Chirag Mahajan.
The anchor of the Harlequins’ innings was Jatin Jaitley, who scored a top-flight 43 runs from 47 balls (including 5 boundaries) before being run out by Vedang Shinde. Middle-order contributions were modest, with Vikranth Masina (10) and wicketkeeper Pankaj Suryakant Sonar (12) reaching double figures. However, the innings was significantly aided by 25 extras, allowing Harlequins to reach 121 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
The UCC bowling attack was spearheaded by Nikhil Kumar Singh, who finished with efficient figures of 3 for 19 from his 4 overs. Chirag Mahajan also performed strongly, taking 2 for 15 in his 4-over spell, including a maiden over. Vaibhav Nair (1/13) and Sagar Gahlot (1/22) claimed one wicket apiece.
Second Innings: UCC CC 1st XI Chasing
UCC’s run chase began with a productive second-wicket partnership. Despite losing Chirag Mahajan (1) early to B Ahsan, opener Shreyas Vijay (36 off 39 balls) and Sagar Gahlot combined effectively. Sagar Gahlot struck a rapid 34 off just 15 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes, moving the score to 63 before falling to Vikranth Masina.
Following Sagar Gahlot’s departure at the conclusion of the 6th over, the UCC innings lost momentum against a disciplined Harlequins bowling unit. Vikranth Masina triggered a middle-order collapse, dismissing captain Kush Patel (4) and Sahil Kamble (0) in the 10th over to finish with excellent figures of 3 for 18.
I Ahsan then delivered a highly restrictive spell, dismantling the lower order by taking 3 wickets for just 8 runs across his 4 overs. UCC continued to lose regular wickets, including Vaibhav Nair (10), who was bowled by Sachin Yewale. Needing 5 runs from the final over to tie, UCC fell just short when Linith Jothiyani Mohan Raj (5) was run out by Namish Kumar on the final ball of the 20th over, leaving UCC all out for 117.
Hero of the Match
I Ahsan (Cork Harlequins CC 3rd XI)
While Jatin Jaitley top-scored for Harlequins and Vikranth Masina took crucial top-order wickets, I Ahsan is the hero of the match for his match-winning defensive bowling display. His 4 overs conceded a mere 2.00 runs per over, and his return of 3 for 8 completely stalled the UCC run chase during the critical final overs, securing the 4-run victory for his team.
MCU Division 2/3 T20 Group A — Week 8
Midleton CC 3rd XI vs. Cork County CC 3rd XI
Venue: The Mardyke, Cork
Date: 3 June 2026
Toss: Midleton CC 3rd XI won the toss and elected to bat
Result: Midleton CC 3rd XI won by 3 runs
Match Report
In a closely contested Week 8 encounter at the Mardyke, Midleton CC 3rd XI defended a first-innings total of 134 to secure a narrow 3-run victory over Cork County CC 3rd XI.
First Innings: Midleton CC 3rd XI Batting
After electing to bat first, Midleton put together a stable opening platform. Openers R Muhammad and Fayyaz Khan navigated the powerplay to reach 38 runs without loss, eventually putting on an 85-run partnership for the first wicket. R Muhammad contributed 30 runs from 37 balls before being bowled by Senan Dont Use in the 12th over.
Fayyaz Khan was the main aggressor of the innings, top-scoring with 56 runs off 46 deliveries, a knock that included 2 fours and 3 sixes. Following his dismissal by Srihari Ravichandran with the score at 98, Midleton experienced a middle-order collapse, losing six wickets for 36 runs. Shan Sarhadi made a brief contribution of 15, while late boundaries from Avinash Nagarajan (8 not out) and Sunny Dhiver (7 not out) pushed the final total to 134 for 7 after 20 overs.
For Cork County, Nahid Hasan was the standout bowler, returning figures of 3 for 21 from his 4 overs. He was well supported by Srihari Ravichandran, who bowled a restrictive spell of 1 for 8 across 2 overs, alongside single wickets from Senan O’Connell (1/21), Muhammad Talha Mannan (1/24), and Khyatiranjan Acharaya (1/39).
Second Innings: Cork County CC 3rd XI Chasing
Cork County’s reply got off to a difficult start in the powerplay, losing Nikhil Raju Anadani (6) and Rahul Sethi (5) early to the bowling of Avinash Nagarajan, leaving the score at 26 for 2 after 6 overs.
Wicketkeeper Girish Khot (23 runs off 29 balls) and Eddie Ross (25 runs off 33 balls) stabilized the innings with a 50-run partnership for the third wicket. However, both well-set batters fell in quick succession to M Ali, reducing County to 71 for 4. A middle-order run-out of Hamza Asif (2) further hindered the chase.
Captain Pratheek Chappanda launched a late counter-attack, scoring 23 runs from 19 balls, while Srihari Ravichandran added 16 from 14. Going into the final over, County required a rapid finish. Muhammad Talha Mannan remained unbeaten on 16 from just 8 deliveries, but Fayyaz Khan dismissed Pratheek Chappanda on the fourth ball of the 20th over to halt the momentum. Cork County finished their 20 overs at 131 for 7, falling 3 runs short of the target.
Midleton’s bowling attack was led effectively by Avinash Nagarajan, who took 2 for 14 with an economy rate of 3.50. M Ali finished with 2 for 19, and Fayyaz Khan claimed 2 for 31.
Hero of the Match
Fayyaz Khan (Midleton CC 3rd XI)
Fayyaz Khan delivered a decisive all-round performance that directly influenced the outcome of the match. His half-century (56 off 46 balls) provided the vital foundation for Midleton’s total, and he returned in the second innings to claim 2 for 31 from 4 overs, taking the critical wicket of the opposing captain in the final over to seal the 3-run victory.
MCU Premier T20 — Week 8
Midleton CC 1st XI vs. Cork Harlequins CC 1st XI
Venue: Townparks, Midleton
Date: 4 June 2026
Toss: Midleton CC 1st XI won the toss and elected to bat
Result: Midleton CC 1st XI won by 43 runs
Match Report
In a Premier T20 Week 8 fixture at Townparks, Midleton CC 1st XI secured a decisive 43-run victory over Cork Harlequins CC 1st XI, heavily powered by a first-innings century from their captain.
First Innings: Midleton CC 1st XI Batting
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Midleton lost opener Awais Yasin ahmed (8) early to the bowling of Seanan Jones in the second over. However, this brought captain Majid Khan to the crease, who alongside opener Murad Rasheed built a dominant 111-run partnership for the second wicket.
Murad Rasheed accumulated a steady 42 runs from 31 balls (including 2 fours and 2 sixes) before falling to R Joyce in the 14th over. Majid Khan anchored the remainder of the innings, accelerating rapidly to reach his century off 57 deliveries. He finished with an exceptional 102 runs from 59 balls, striking 10 fours and 6 sixes before being dismissed late in the innings by J Kalathera. Wicketkeeper Zuhair Shah remained unbeaten on 14 off 18 balls as Midleton posted a formidable total of 177 for 3 in their 20 overs.
The Cork Harlequins bowlers found the going difficult against the set batters. Seanan Jones delivered the most economical spell, finishing with 1 for 13 from his 4 overs. J Kalathera claimed 1 for 22 from his 4 overs, and R Joyce took 1 for 50 from 4 overs.
Second Innings: Cork Harlequins CC 1st XI Chasing
The Cork Harlequins response suffered immediate setbacks, losing three wickets during the 6-over powerplay. Opening bowler Javed Ahmed Azami struck in the first over to bowl Umer Khan (4), followed shortly by Christian Laubscher dismissing wicketkeeper Callum Stevenson (9). When Farrukh Fiaz removed Adam Hickey (8) in the fifth over, Harlequins were restricted to 37 for 3.
The middle order offered resistance through R Joyce, who spearheaded the chase with a well-made 52 runs off 40 balls, hitting 6 fours and a six. R Joyce found support in Isaac Whitaker, who compiled a disciplined 36 not out from 34 deliveries, combining for a 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
The required run rate proved too high, however, as Midleton’s bowling unit maintained consistent pressure. Javed Ahmed Azami broke the partnership by removing R Joyce in the 17th over, finishing with figures of 2 for 26. Farrukh Fiaz was equally effective, returning 2 for 26 from his 4 overs after also dismissing Seneth Sumanasinghe (0). Faraz ur rehman Sharif (1/18) and AS Wattoo (1/21) each contributed a wicket, holding Cork Harlequins to 134 for 7 at the conclusion of their 20 overs.
Hero of the Match
Majid Khan (Midleton CC 1st XI)
Majid Khan is the clear hero of the match for his standout performance with the bat. Entering the game in the second over, the Midleton captain struck a commanding 102 runs from 59 deliveries. His innings established a platform that took the game away from Cork Harlequins and set a target that secured a comfortable 43-run win for his side.
MCU Division 1 T20 Cup Group A — Week 8
Limerick CC 2nd XI vs. Nenagh CC 1st XI
Venue: Adare Manor, Limerick
Date: 6 June 2026
Toss: Nenagh CC 1st XI won the toss and elected to bowl
Match Note: Reduced to 8 overs per side due to rain and a wet pitch
Result: Nenagh CC 1st XI won by 4 wickets
Match Report
In a rain-shortened Week 8 fixture of the MCU Division 1 T20 Cup Group A at Adare Manor, Nenagh CC 1st XI secured a narrow 4-wicket victory over Limerick CC 2nd XI with two balls to spare in an 8-over contest.
First Innings: Limerick CC 2nd XI Batting
After winning the toss and electing to bowl in damp conditions, Nenagh made immediate breakthroughs. Opening bowler Naveen George struck on the very first delivery of the match to dismiss Nishant Kumar (0), and followed it up with the run-out of wicketkeeper Pavan Prajapati (0) five balls later, leaving Limerick at 1 for 2 after the opening over.
Limerick found it difficult to build partnerships against a disciplined attack. Parth Borghare top-scored with a patient 13 runs off 14 balls, while Ayan Ullah added a quick 12 from 7 deliveries. Following a middle-order wobble that saw Jomy Joseph claim two swift leg-before-wicket and bowled decisions, captain Waqas Mehmood provided late resistance with an unbeaten 11 runs from 7 balls. Backed by 11 extras, Limerick concluded their 8 overs at 58 for 6.
Nenagh’s bowling card was led by Naveen George, who took 2 for 9 from his 2 overs, and Jomy Joseph, who finished with 2 for 17 from his 2 overs.
Second Innings: Nenagh CC 1st XI Chasing
Chasing a revised target of 59 from 8 overs, Nenagh’s pursuit was spearheaded by opening wicketkeeper-batsman Sreehari Vinobaji, who anchored the top order with a vital 24 runs off 23 balls, hitting a four and a six.
Despite losing Roshan Patel (3) early, Nenagh built a strong platform before Limerick captain Waqas Mehmood initiated a fightback. Waqas Mehmood struck three times in his 2-over spell, removing Tony Kurian (9) and Naveen George (1) in quick succession to reduce Nenagh to 44 for 3.
The match tightened significantly in the seventh over when Arham Ullah produced a highly impactful triple-wicket maiden. He bowled Sreehari Vinobaji (24), Cinulal Varickatharappel (7), and Sreenivas Pockathara Maniappan (0) within the space of five deliveries, leaving Nenagh vulnerable at 54 for 6. However, Jomy Joseph (5 not out) and asif safin (1 not out) held their composure in the final over, guiding Nenagh across the line to 59 for 6 with two balls remaining.
For Limerick, Arham Ullah finished with standout figures of 3 for 3 from his single over, while Waqas Mehmood returned an efficient 3 for 12 from his 2 overs.
Hero of the Match
Naveen George (Nenagh CC 1st XI)
In a heavily truncated 8-over match where setting the tone early is critical, Naveen George delivered a definitive performance. His opening over yielded a wicket and a run-out, immediately putting Limerick on the defensive. Finishing with baseline figures of 2 for 9 and an economy rate of 4.50, his early interventions proved to be the difference-maker in keeping the target within a manageable reach for his team.
MCU Twenty20 Match — Week 8
Midleton CC 2nd XI vs. County Kerry CC 2nd XI
Venue: Farmers Cross, Cork
Date: 6 June 2026
Toss: Midleton CC 2nd XI won the toss and elected to bat
Result: County Kerry CC 2nd XI won by 2 wickets
Match Report
County Kerry CC 2nd XI chased down a target of 113 to secure a narrow 2-wicket victory over Midleton CC 2nd XI with zero extras conceded by either side across the match.
First Innings: Midleton CC 2nd XI Batting
After choosing to bat first, Midleton CC 2nd XI faced disciplined bowling from the outset. Wicketkeeper Naman Gandhi provided a quick start, scoring 21 runs off 13 balls (including 1 four and 2 sixes), but his opening partner Fayyaz Khan was run out by Sohaib Asghar Chohan for just 1. Zuhair Shah added 18 runs off 13 balls before falling to Shani Alam, while Faraz ur rehman Sharif chipped in with 15.
The middle order struggled to accelerate due to a highly restrictive spell from Usman Butt. He dismissed Jigar Vyas (5), Christian Laubscher (1), and Avinash Nagarajan (0) to stall the innings. Captain Balaji Suresh (19 not out) and Danish Iqbal (16 not out) put together an unbeaten late partnership to push the final score to 112 for 7 at the end of their 20 overs.
Usman Butt was the pick of the Kerry bowlers, returning exceptional figures of 3 wickets for just 6 runs from his 4 overs. Shani Alam gave valuable support with 2 for 25, while captain Majid Yousaf claimed 1 for 27.
Second Innings: County Kerry CC 2nd XI Chasing
County Kerry’s reply began with useful contributions at the top of the order. Following the early departure of Sohaib Asghar Chohan (8) to Avinash Nagarajan, opener Kamran Muhammad struck 20 runs. Wicketkeeper Q Butt further advanced the chase with a top-order contribution of 24 runs, including 2 fours and a six.
The match shifted back into the balance during the middle overs as Midleton bowler Faraz ur rehman Sharif produced an impact spell. He claimed four wickets, dismissing Usman Butt (0, stumped), Numan Ahmad (6), Luqman Kabir (4), and the set Q Butt to significantly dent the batting lineup. Avinash Nagarajan also struck again to bowl Adil Rahil (1) to finish with 2 for 26, while Fayyaz Khan (1/14) bowled Zeeshan Arif (9) to leave Kerry 8 wickets down.
However, Shani Alam anchored the tail under pressure, remaining unbeaten on 33 runs from a patient knock that featured 1 four and 2 sixes. Alongside his captain, Majid Yousaf (1 not out), Shani Alam guided County Kerry past the target to finish on 113 for 8 at the conclusion of the 20th over.
Hero of the Match
Usman Butt (County Kerry CC 2nd XI)
While Shani Alam played a match-winning role with an unbeaten 33 under pressure in the second innings, Usman Butt is the hero of the match for his decisive performance in the first innings. His spell of 4 overs, 3 wickets for a mere 6 runs completely dismantled the Midleton middle order and ensured that Midleton’s total was kept to a very manageable 112, laying the groundwork for Kerry’s narrow victory.
MCU Division 1 T20 Cup Group A — Week 8
Nenagh CC 1st XI vs. Clare CC 2nd XI
Venue: The Manor Fields Adare, Adare
Date: 6 June 2026
Toss: Nenagh CC 1st XI won the toss and elected to bat
Result: Nenagh CC 1st XI won by 11 runs
Match Report
In a tight Week 8 encounter of the MCU Division 1 T20 Cup Group A at Adare, Nenagh CC 1st XI successfully defended a total of 99 to defeat Clare CC 2nd XI by 11 runs.
First Innings: Nenagh CC 1st XI Batting
After choosing to bat first, Nenagh CC 1st XI suffered an immediate setback when opener Sreehari Vinobaji (2) was dismissed by K Javed in the first over. K Javed produced an exceptional opening spell that dismantled Nenagh’s top order, claiming the wickets of Tony Kurian (15), Roshan Patel (9), and asif safin (3) to leave Nenagh at 42 for 4 in the seventh over.
Middle-order batsman Naveen George anchored the remainder of the innings, top-scoring with a disciplined 29 runs off 38 deliveries. He received minor support from Jomy Joseph (13) and captain Vimal John Mathai, who added a quick unbeaten 11 runs off 5 balls at the tail end. Following the run-out of Cinulal Varickatharappel (4), Naveen George was finally bowled by Raj More in the final over, leaving Nenagh at 99 for 8 after 20 overs.
K Javed was the outstanding performer for Clare’s bowling attack, returning highly efficient figures of 4 for 10 from his 4 overs, including one maiden. Hrushikesh Pardeshi (1/17), Raj More (1/9), and WS Qureshi (1/35) each picked up a wicket.
Second Innings: Clare CC 2nd XI Chasing
Clare’s response began poorly as opening bowler Naveen George struck twice in the early stages, removing opener V Mukundan for a duck and catching Karthik Gajendra (4) off his own bowling. When Rajkumar Nagulsamy dismissed wicketkeeper S Taj (3) and Naveen George claimed his third wicket by removing Raj More (1), Clare found themselves under pressure at the start of their chase.
A Udin (22 runs off 31 balls) and K Javed (16 runs off 10 balls) attempted to stabilize the innings, but both fell to the bowling of Cinulal Varickatharappel just as partnerships began to form. Hrushikesh Pardeshi resisted from the middle order, remaining unbeaten on 24 runs from 38 deliveries, but he ran out of partners at the opposite end.
Tony Kurian wrapped up the tail efficiently for Nenagh, claiming 3 wickets for just 7 runs in his 2 overs. He dismissed WS Qureshi (5), Sapan Kale (2), and finally captain Gurpreet Singh (0) to bowl Clare out for 88 runs in the 20th over, securing the 11-run victory for Nenagh.
Aside from Tony Kurian’s late breakthrough, Naveen George finished with impactful figures of 3 for 13 from 4 overs, while Rajkumar Nagulsamy (1/9) and Cinulal Varickatharappel (2/15) maintained low economy rates throughout their spells.
Hero of the Match
Naveen George (Nenagh CC 1st XI)
Though Clare’s K Javed delivered a remarkable bowling performance in a losing cause, Naveen George is the hero of the match for his vital all-round contribution. He top-scored for his team with 29 runs to ensure Nenagh neared the 100-run mark, and then took 3 for 13 with the ball, breaking Clare’s top order early in the second innings to set up the victory.
MCU Division 1 T20 Cup Group A — Week 8
Limerick CC 2nd XI vs. Clare CC 2nd XI
Venue: The Manor Fields Adare, Adare
Date: 6 June 2026
Toss: Limerick CC 2nd XI won the toss and elected to bat
Result: Clare CC 2nd XI won by 1 wicket
Match Report
In a nail-biting Week 8 encounter of the MCU Division 1 T20 Cup Group A at Adare, Clare CC 2nd XI managed a narrow 1-wicket victory over Limerick CC 2nd XI. After Limerick was bowled out for 64 in the first innings, Clare overcame a severe batting collapse to chase down the target in 12.3 overs.
First Innings: Limerick CC 2nd XI Batting
Limerick won the toss and elected to bat first, but their innings was cut short as they were dismissed for only 64 runs. Only Parth Borghare and Bhargavkumar Ghanshyambhai Patel managed to reach double figures, as the Clare bowlers ran rampant. Raj More finished with 4 wickets, A Mukthar with 3 as Limerick capitulated.
Second Innings: Clare CC 2nd XI Chasing
Clare’s response began with an aggressive contribution from opener V Mukundan, who hit 12 runs off 8 balls (including 2 fours). However, his dismissal triggered a spectacular top and middle-order collapse engineered by Limerick’s opening bowlers. Waqas Mehmood dismissed Faizan Hakim (3) and V Mukundan in successive overs, before Parth Borghare removed Daniyal Shams (7) and caught Karthik Gajendra (0) leg-before-wicket in consecutive deliveries.
A subsequent run-out of wicketkeeper S Taj (1), followed by further strikes from Parth Borghare and Waqas Mehmood, left Clare’s batting lineup in a deeply precarious position at 27 runs for the loss of 7 wickets inside the 6-over powerplay. Waqas Mehmood added a fourth wicket by bowling A Mukthar (4) in the eighth over, leaving Clare listing at 32 for 8.
The match shifted on a crucial ninth-wicket partnership between Raj More and S Pannerselvam. Raj More anchored the tail with an unbeaten, top-scoring performance of 23 runs from 26 deliveries, hitting 3 boundaries. He found a defensive partner in S Pannerselvam, who scored 3 runs off 11 balls, taking the score to 62 before falling to Ayan Ullah in the 13th over. With 3 runs required and only 1 wicket remaining, Raj More and captain Gurpreet Singh (1 not out) held their composure to secure the single-wicket victory.
Limerick’s defense was led by captain Waqas Mehmood, who finished with excellent figures of 4 for 14 from his 4 overs, and Parth Borghare, who claimed 3 for 21 from his 4-over spell.
Hero of the Match
Raj More (Clare CC 2nd XI)
While Limerick’s Waqas Mehmood delivered an outstanding bowling performance with 4 for 14, Raj More is the hero of the match for his game-saving contribution with the bat. Entering the crease under heavy pressure with his team at 26 for 6, he showed remarkable composure to compile an unbeaten 23 runs, guiding Clare through an 8-wicket deficit to secure a vital victory.
