Yasas century sends Ballyspallen into National Cup final

Ballyspallen booked their place in the National Cup final after edging The Hills by three wickets in a tense last-over thriller.

The result guarantees a first North West winner of the competition, with Ballyspallen awaiting the winners of the other semi-final between Glendermott and Ardmore.

The Hills posted 239 for seven from their 40 overs, recovering from the early loss of Muzamil Sherzad for one.

Yaseen Sherzad dominated the innings with a magnificent 141 from 115 deliveries, striking 11 fours and seven sixes. He shared a second-wicket stand of 109 with Liam Blackford, who made 52 from 56 balls.

Graham Kennedy claimed three for 47 for Ballyspallen, while Raveen Yasas took two wickets during an economical spell.

Ballyspallen’s chase was built around a superb unbeaten century from Sri Lankan overseas professional Yasas.

After Pushpender Singh fell for 12, Hills old boy Hassan Shahid struck 34 before Yasas took control. He shared useful partnerships with Graham Kennedy, who made 30, and captain Stuart Kennedy, who added 21.

The Hills fought back through two wickets apiece from Febin Manoj, Cian Nulty and Sherzad, leaving Ballyspallen needing two runs from the final over with seven wickets down.

Yasas, however, held his nerve to clinch victory and finish unbeaten on 118 from 102 balls, with 14 fours and three sixes.

The final is at Castle Avenue on Saturday August 15th.