June 22, 2024 will go down in history as a landmark day for Hercules 1, securing a dramatic one-wicket victory over Kampong 1 in a city derby played for the first time in 13 years. In a nerve-wracking encounter that came down to the final ball, Hercules displayed remarkable resilience and determination.

Kampong won the toss and elected to bat, setting a challenging total of 204 runs in 48.2 overs. The standout performance for Kampong came from Damien Van den Berg, who scored an impressive 63 runs off just 53 balls, including five fours and two sixes, at a strike rate of 118.87. Ratha Alphonse contributed a solid 30 runs, while Alexander Roy added 37. Pienaar Buys was the bowling hero for Hercules, taking four vital wickets for just 23 runs in his 10 overs.

Hercules’ chase was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Early wickets left the team struggling at 110 for 7, needing 95 more runs with only three wickets in hand. However, Ashan Bunumusinghe emerged as the hero, crafting a crucial unbeaten 49 runs off 95 balls, displaying exceptional composure and grit.

Support from the lower order, including Iftikhar Ahmad (18 runs) and Sander Helberg (15 runs), was instrumental in keeping the chase alive. Kampong’s bowlers, particularly Shashank Kumar, who took four wickets, maintained constant pressure on Hercules.

The final over was a nail-biter, with Hercules needing just a few runs to secure victory. Ashan Bunumusinghe and Irfan Ul Haq (11 not out) held their nerve and guided the team to a historic win.

This long-awaited city derby, the first between the two teams in 13 years, will be remembered as an unforgettable thriller and a testament to Hercules’ resilience and fighting spirit.