CAI reach semi-final of Schools’ Cup

Batting first, RBAI scored steadily until Matthew Smyth broke their opening partnership by claiming the wicket of W Fraser in the 11th over. Two wickets for CAI captain Scott Campbell, and the key wicket of Ireland “A” player Ben Wylie (who had scored 25), taken by Rishi Chopra, kept the RBAI batting line-up in check. In spite of a late flurry of runs from J McClure (27 not out) RBAI were restricted to a total of 100 runs for six wickets off 25 overs.

In reply Scott Campbell and Paul Douglas took the score to 34 before Campbell was bowled by Wylie for 13. Douglas, however, went on to top score with 33, while Chopra chipped in with a valuable 13. CAI required nine runs off 12 balls when wicket keeper Matthew Douglas delighted the home supporters with a reverse sweep for four off the first ball of Wylie’s fifth over.

Although the bowler claimed two wickets in that same over, Douglas hit a single off the second ball of the final over and Rory Handforth, who had just come to the crease, showed great composure to strike the third ball for two and then hit the winning run off the next delivery. CAI won by two wickets with two balls to spare – Douglas finishing 14 not out and Handforth three not out.

CAI will now face Down High School in the semi-final.