LIGHTNING STRIKES THRICE TO SEAL IP20 TITLE FOR LEINSTER

It was a second bonus point victory in the space of 24 hours which helped the host side bounce to the IP20 title this afternoon, as the Lightning sealed the title in style with a comprehensive, rapid-fire 6 wicket victory against the Northern Knights this afternoon, with the chase completed in just 10.2 overs, ensuring that Munster Reds’ emphatic victory in the first game was not enough to deny the home side.

Having won the toss, the Northern Knights elected to bat first, however the Lightning were immediately on the front foot, Barry McCarthy’s fired-up opening spell accounting for the wickets of Paul Stirling, John Matchett and James McCollum with just 32 on the board.

A pair of left-arm wickets saw George Dockrell clean bowl Ruhan Pretorius, before Mark Adair was caught and bowled by paceman Josh Little. A partnership threatened to begin to develop however between Cade Carmichael and Neil Rock, before Simi Singh had his say on proceedings, firstly a poor shot from Carmichael picked out Josh Little at deep square-leg, before Rock carelessly slid his foot out of his ground, allowing Lorcan Tucker to complete a sharp stumping.

There was some belligerent late hitting by Tom Mayes to bring the score to 96 before being the last man out for 20 as Barry McCarthy rounded his spell off taking 4/18 from 3.4 overs, the captain George Dockrell taking 3/13 and Simi Singh’s 2/26 were the pick of the supporting cast.

In reply, Andy Balbirnie took centre stage, as he struck 7 boundaries and three maximums in an excellently compiled 52 from just 24 balls, with the Lightning once again employing the incredibly positive style of batting which had served them so well in their previous two games.

The home side knew the equation that they would need to reach 97 in 16 overs or less to be crowned champions, and in spite of the loss of Simi Singh and Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector ensured there would be no slowing down as he stroked his way to an unbeaten 28 from just 14 balls.

Tector completed the victory with a boundary, followed by a single from the bowling of Ben White, rounding off the innings in just 62 balls. Fittingly he was accompanied at the end by the captain Dockrell, who’s ball striking had been the most prominent feature of the Lightning performances in the last two days.

The Lightning are crowned IP20 Champions having completed the tournament with a superior net run rate to the Munster Reds, however their run chase in Wednesday’s victory over their nearest challengers was the clear turning point in the tournament which allowed them to carry momentum throughout this week of fixtures.

Cricket Leinster & Leinster Lightning hugely appreciate the support of our sponsor, LHW Financial Planning and we look forward to working with LHW into 2023.

Cricket Leinster also thanks Pembroke Cricket Club for providing their facilities as host venue for the 3-Day Festival. The pitches, outfield, catering, facilities and welcome were all top class as always at Sydney Parade.

Finally well done to our coaching team and playing squad, it is a measure of the individual talent and collective team spirit that Leinster Lightning has emerged as Champions again, well done to all concerned.