KILKENNY CLAIM NEW FORMAT INTERMEDIATE CUP FOR 2026!

A fine batting performance was the catalyst for Kilkenny this afternoon, as they sealed a 34-run DLS victory over Tyrrelstown in Newbridge Demesne.

Having won the toss, Tyrrelstown followed the flavour of the month and elected to bowl first, and the early breakthrough for Vijay Muppalla saw them in a strong position straight away.

That however brought Shoaib Tariq to the crease, with the left hander immediately setting his stall out to bat through the innings. He and Ahdan Tasleem added a fine stand of 91 for the second wicket, and when the skipper Deepak Pandey was fourth out with the score on 156, the side were in a strong position to accelerate into the final 10 overs.

Tariq however was starved of the strike, and when he was eventually dismissed for a brilliant 95 with the score on 185, it was all out attack from the Kilkenny lower order to boost the score with late runs. They did eventually manage to make their way to a modest score of 219/8 from their 40 overs, which looked short of what was likely with 10 overs to go. Sai Bodhu was the pick of the Tyrrelstown bowlers, claiming 3/18 in his fine 8 over spell.

Tyrrelstown’s response was under immediate pressure, Haris Syed claiming two wickets for just 8 runs in an excellent opening burst for Kilkenny, as the chase saw just 23 runs off the PowerPlay. The change bowlers again kept things tight, Harish Khumkar claiming a wicket, before Syed returned with another wicket maiden to take the score to 47/4.

The introduction of spin brought about the next wicket, Kabir Tokhai claiming the scalp of Avinash Gundagani, and Tyrrelstown were well on the back foot. The score had reached 72/5 after 19.4 overs when the heavens opened, with the Castleblunden side 34 runs ahead on DLS.

Unfortunately that rain put an end to any further prospects of play, meaning Kilkenny were confirmed as the winners shortly after the 18:15 inspection.

Congratulations to Kilkenny, the Intermediate Cup Champions for the 2026 season! Well done to all players, coaches, officials and supporters associated with the team on this brilliant achievement!