First Innings
An exciting match ended with Cambridge University Club as the victor. Oxford University Club battled it hard and gave their opponents every bit of trouble. It was an exciting contest from day 1, with OUC making early breakthroughs. However, CUCC was in trouble with both their openers dislodged early.
Tennakkoon and Amin took responsibility and formed a much-needed partnership. They stayed at the crease, took their time to settle in, and continued to score. Tennakoon scored a smashing century with his partner Amin chipping in with a useful 58 of 75 deliveries. Tennakoon’s 158 of 135 balls was the turning point of the game. His heroics helped his team take an early lead in the first innings. CUCC were all dismissed for 307. Mingrad was the standout performer for OUC with a five-wicket hall.
OUC had a decent start with both their openers scoring runs. Bhal scored 37 of 53, with Hargrave making a quick fire 57 off 62 balls. However, five of OUC’s batsmen never reached two figures and were perished cheaply. With 25 extras, OUC could only manage 210 fell 97 runs short of CUCC’s first innings tally. Agarwal was the star bowler with a five-wicket hall to his name.
Second Innings
The second innings was a near repeat of the first for CUCC, with Taylor and Turner’s openers returning to the pavilion cheaply. Once more, it was Tennakoon who sailed the boat with his relentless 56 of just 67 deliveries. Amin, the co-star of the first innings for CUCC, could not inspire this time. However, Agarwal provided much-needed support to Tennakoon with his brisk 39 of just 27 balls. CUCC declared the innings at 141-9. Ali took three, with Swanson and Payman taking three wickets apiece.
OUC openers showed their class once more, with Bhal reaching 50 in just 29 balls. Hargrave scored a patient but resilient 60 of 140 balls and stayed at the crease much longer. However, like their first innings, eight of their players could not reach double figures. It was a sorry story all over for OUC with no one taking the initiative.
CUCC blowers stood up to the task and took timely wickets. Agarwal, with his four for 27, was the standout performer. Vitali and Zamiraski also chipped in with two wickets each.
The match brought a much-needed and well-deserved victory to the Cambridge University Cricket Club. Tmr Kumar Tennakoon was nominated the player of the game for his heroics, as he scored big in both innings of the match.
Tennakoon, the man of the match, won hearts when he dedicated his awards to the people struggling with mental health. He did not stop there, as he gave the winning bonus of £2500 to the mental health awareness foundation.
