The Lightning were imperious throughout the season and had looked to maintain their unbeaten record but couldn’t claim that final win against Northern Knights.
The day began with Northern Knights captain Mark Adair winning the toss and electing to bat first under glorious sunshine.
Lightning debutant Melvin Deveraj got the wicket of James McCollum in his first over but soon after Jake Egan made his presence felt with 58 off 32 deliveries including two big sixes off leg-spinner Gavin Hoey.
After scoring 96-1 from their first ten overs, the Knights finished strong reaching 187-4 thanks to Cade Carmichael 57 (37) and Ross Adair 36 (24).
In response Leinster Lightning lost Lorcan Tucker early on as well as both Harry and Tim Tector.
Northern Knights continued to take wickets which increased the pressure on the chasing side.
Chris De Freitas batted very well for his 40 off 29 but found he couldn’t take his side all the way without assistance from the other end.
Matthew Foster was the pick of the bowlers for Northern Knights, finishing with 4-33. However both Matthew Humphreys and Cian Robertson took two wickets each with their left arm spin.
Leinster Lightning never quite gave up hope in the chase to deliver that final win and an unbeaten record. However at the Wicklow ground they finally seemed to run out of steam, and the batters to get them there.
MATCH SUMMARY
Leinster Lightning v Northern Knights, IP20 Trophy, Oak Hill Cricket Club, 10 September 2024
Northern Knights 187-4 (20 overs; J Egan 58, C Carmichael 57, M Dev 2-18)
Leinster Lightning 156 (18.5 overs; C De Freitas 41; M Foster 4-33, C Robertson 2-11)
Northern Knights won by 31 runs
Full scorecard here