(Cricket News) Match 1: Northern Knights vs. North West Warriors

In the Rario Inter-Provincial Trophy, the Northern Knights continued their unbeaten run with a commanding performance against the North West Warriors. Morgan Topping displayed his brilliance by scoring a rapid half-century off just 28 balls. Additionally, contributions from Cade Carmichael (44) and Ruhan Pretorius (43) further strengthened the Knights’ position. Topping’s exceptional form continued throughout the week, accumulating an impressive total of 114 runs without being dismissed in the Northern Knights’ three matches.

Northern Knights faced an early setback while Chasing a target of 165 set by the Warriors. However, they embarked on a confident run chase with crucial partnerships. Consecutive stands of 52, 45, and an unbeaten 50* ensured that the Northern Knights comfortably achieved victory with 23 balls to spare. The Northern Knights showcased their dominance by scoring 73% (122 runs) of their total runs through boundaries, including spectacular shots down the ground. Surprisingly, the winning runs came in the form of four byes rather than a flashy drive or lofted cut shot. Regardless, the Northern Knights’ victory solidified their exceptional performance throughout the week.

Earlier in the match, Stephen Doheny top-scored with 39 for the Warriors before being caught by Pretorius near the boundary in the 13th over. Matthew Foster of the Northern Knights claimed four wickets, achieving his best List A T20 figures, as the Warriors concluded their innings on 164-9 after 20 overs.

Match 2: Munster Reds vs. Northern Knights

The Munster Reds showcased their batting prowess in the final match of the three-day festival, securing their first victory of the week by defeating the reigning champions, Leinster Lightning, by five wickets.

Chasing a target of 158, the Reds received valuable contributions from Nathan McGuire (34), Murray Commins (37), and a quick-fire 28 from Connor Fletcher, enabling them to reach their target with 23 balls to spare. 

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Lightning captain Tim Tector and his opening partner Seamus Lynch provided a solid start, collectively hitting ten fours. Following Lynch’s departure, Adam Rosslee joined the crease at number three and anchored the Lightning’s innings. Rosslee and Sam Harbinson formed a valuable fifth-wicket partnership, adding 62 runs. However, Rosslee fell just five runs short of a half-century in the 19th over, and Harbinson finished the innings with a boundary as the Lightning posted 157-5, which ultimately proved insufficient.

MATCH SUMMARY

Warriors vs. Knights, Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy, The Mardyke, Cork, 8 June 2023

Warriors 164-9 (20 overs; S Doheny 39, S Getkate 29; M Foster 4-30)

Knights 167-3 (16.1 overs; M Topping 51*, C Carmichael 44; L Doherty 1-27)

Knights won by 7 wickets

Lightning vs. Reds, Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy, The Mardyke, Cork, 8 June 2023

Lightning 157-5 (20 overs; S Harbinson 45*, A Rosslee 45; L McCarthy 2-27)

Reds 159-5 (16.1 overs; M Commins 37, N McGuire 34; A Sidhu 1-16)

Reds won by 5 wickets

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