Six and in: Damsara Menuwara lifts Binners into T20 grand final

Underdog Moorabbin is through to the Twenty20 decider after grabbing a thrilling victory over Altona in the semi-final.

Moorabbin whoops it up after defeating Altona.

A six from Damsara Menuwara with three balls to spare and that was it.

Moorabbin, a stranger to success in the past few years, was into the grand final of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s Twenty20 competition.

The Binners advanced to the decider after a gripping victory over Altona at JK Grant Reserve last night.

They overhauled the hosts’ 7-117 after wanting 18 off the last two overs and then eight off the last, with Menuwara and Clayron Landers at the crease.

Landers took two off the first ball of the 20th over and a single off the second, handing over to Menuwara.

The pace bowler promptly finished the match with a six over the bowler’s head, delighting the Moorabbin supporters who had made the drive west for the semi-final.

An ear-splitting rendition of the club song followed in the rooms.

The Binners needed something to shout about: they’ve won only two of their 10 home-and-away games this season, although they have displayed improvement since the Round 1 debacle when Malvern knocked them over for 39.

But they’re in form in the shortest form, winning all four of their T20 matches to make it through to the grand final.

Opener Christin Shaiju (28) and captain Roshie Livera (24) kept them ticking against Altona as they put aside the loss of key pair Ian Cockbain (9) and Luke Ashen (0).

With the ball, Landers took 3-24 off four overs and Menuwara 2-16 off four. Young leggie Caleb Candappa held Altona up through the middle overs with 0-15 off four.

“A great thrill for the boys and a great thrill for the club,’’ president Al Marion said.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been in a grand final of any sort.’’

Oakleigh guest player Andrew Humphries.

The Binners’ grand final opponent will be perennial power Oakleigh, which defeated high-flying Kew on the back of a spectacular innings from guest player Andrew Humphries.

The Richmond all-rounder crammed 7 fours and 2 sixes into his 83 not out off 61 balls.

Opener Ryan Pearson hit 27 off 19 and Jack Blyth 30 not out off 24.

Former Melbourne captain Matthew Brown led the Kew chase with a sparkling 59 off 53 balls (3 fours, 1 six) before being run out by Michael Splatt.

The dismissal of guest player Lachie Bangs for 19, bowled by Blake Pearson, was another blow for Kew.

Opening bowler Splatt was outstanding with 2-13 off his four overs and Humphries nabbed 2-24 off his four as Kew was held to 9-122.