Captain Hassan Shahid produced a superb century as the Emerging North West defeated Munster Heat in the inaugural Wild Atlantic Way Trophy at the Bleachgreen, Ardmore. The new 40-over competition also featured Connacht. 

Shahid struck 109 from 90 balls, including 10 fours and five sixes, as the hosts reached 240 for six in 37.1 overs to secure a 14-run victory under the DLS method after Munster had posted 254 for eight from their 40 overs. 

The North West chase had been wobbling at 92 for three following the dismissals of Alastair Doherty for 28, Luke Marillier for a rapid 26 and James Smallwoods for four.

Shahid, however, found an ideal partner in Bobby Brolly, playing on his home Ardmore ground, and the pair transformed the contest with a fourth-wicket stand of 121 in 20 overs.

Brolly played the supporting role superbly, making 50 from 64 deliveries with five boundaries, while Shahid kept the scoreboard moving before accelerating with a series of powerful strokes.

Munster had earlier built their imposing total around Awais Saghir’s 73 from 86 balls, which included seven fours and three sixes. Chinmay Shinde added 36, while Seneth Sumanasinghe struck a brisk 31 from 20 deliveries.

Luke Marillier was the pick of the North West attack with three for 42, while Swarnim Jha and Brolly claimed two wickets apiece.

Awais Saghir took three for 26 in the North West reply, but Shahid’s commanding captain’s innings proved decisive as the hosts claimed the honours in the new three-team competition.