Knockharley cruised to a nine-wicket victory over North Kildare after a dominant unbeaten 78 from Brandon Kruger made light work of a modest target of 143.

North Kildare were bowled out for 142 after failing to convert several promising starts into a substantial innings.

Moize Haider made 29 from 45 balls and Ankit Pareek struck a brisk 18, but the innings lost momentum once both had departed. Yash Kalasannavar top-scored with 41 from 52 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six, before becoming one of four victims for Syed Mehdi.

Haseeb Khan added 12, but North Kildare slipped from 108 for four to 133 for nine as Knockharley’s attack maintained control.

Mehdi finished with excellent figures of four for 26, while Kashif Ali claimed two for eight. Ahmed Kayani and Kruger were especially economical, conceding only 26 runs from their combined 13 overs.

Knockharley lost Sayed Zubair for five in the second over of their reply, but that proved their only setback.

Kruger took charge with an authoritative unbeaten 78 from 73 deliveries, striking 11 fours and three sixes. Don Retty provided composed support with 46 not out from 84 balls, including three fours and a six.

The pair shared an unbroken second-wicket partnership of 139, steadily dismantling the North Kildare attack and ensuring there was no prospect of a recovery.

Knockharley cruised home in the 27th over, completing a comprehensive victory.