NORTH LEINSTER BATTING DOWNS DUBLIN UNIVERSITY

North Leinster produced a powerful batting display to secure a convincing 68-run victory over Dublin University in an entertaining T20 contest.

Batting first, North Leinster made an aggressive start in the power-play with Séamus Lynch setting the tone with a blistering 51 from just 25 deliveries, striking six fours and two sixes. He shared an explosive opening partnership with John Devane, who added 35 from 21 balls.

North Leinster continued to attack through the middle overs, Muzamil Sherzad played a composed but aggressive innings of 49 from 39 balls, combining timing and power to keep the scoreboard moving. Captain Adam Doyle added a useful 15 before John McNally provided a late surge with a rapid 35, including four fours and two sixes. North Leinster finished strongly in the final overs to post an imposing total of 205/5 from their 20 overs.

Don Retty claimed three wickets, while Conall Woods and Mikey O’Reilly each chipped in with a wicket.

In reply, Dublin University began positively, with Rory Betley striking 19 from just nine balls and Macdara Cosgrave adding 16, but regular wickets halted any chance of building sustained pressure. Don Retty attempted to rebuild with 22, while Ryan Smith contributed 16 during the middle overs.

Donncha Tucker provided late resistance with a counter-attacking 26 and Oliver Molins added an entertaining 34 from 25 deliveries, but the target ultimately proved too steep.

North Leinster’s bowlers gradually tightened their grip on the game, with Brandon Morris producing an excellent spell of 3/22 from four overs. Muzamil Sherzad also impressed with 2/23, while Mohammad Sherzad picked up two late wickets to close out the innings as Dublin University struggled to maintain the required scoring rate.

Dublin University closed on 137/9 from their 20 overs, leaving North Leinster comfortable winners by 68 runs.