CORK – From early on the home side looked to have the win in the bag, but turns kept bringing the visitors back into this IP50 contest.
After a brief delayed start due to heavy rain the night before, Munster Reds opted to bowl first to make best use of the conditions.
What a decision it was. From 21-3, to 36-5 and eventually 79-7 the game looked over without ever getting going. Yet a remarkable innings of 96 off 87 from Ben Calitz kept them in the match.
Calitz deserved three figures for his efforts but was removed by Liam McCarthy who helped himself to five wickets. McCarthy also claimed Paul Stirling, James McCollum, Cade Carmichael and skipper Neil Rock.
The Knights needed quick wickets to defend 174 and got one when they removed Brandon Kruger. However Mark Adrianatos starred with 59 off 122 to slowly inch his side to the line.
A quick fall of middle order wickets though still left the Reds exposed. Alistair Frost in turn seized the moment scoring 55 of 69 to give the chase the impetus required.
Step in Ross Adair who claims 3-4 off two overs with his left arm spin. The game looked to be opened up once again.
There was one final chance when Oliver Metcalfe was dropped at midwicket off Matthew Foster. But there were to be no more dramatic twists as Munster Reds got over the line.
MATCH SUMMARY
Munster Reds v Northern Knights, IP50 , The Mardyke, 22 August 2024
Northern Knights 174 (32.4 overs; B Calitz 96; L McCarthy 5-31, C Campher 3-43)
Munster Reds 176-7 (42.1 overs; M Adrianatos 59, A Frost 55; R Adair 3-4)
Munster won by 3 wickets
