Cork County secured a 42-run victory over North County after a strong all-round display built around key contributions from Thorne Prophet and Bakhtyar Nabi.

Cork were bowled out for 246 in 41.1 overs, having recovered from a mid-innings wobble thanks to Prophet’s 52 from 45 balls and a superb late assault from Nabi. Donald Marakassery had earlier struck 45 from 35 deliveries, while Ross Durity made 30 and Josh Hartill 25.

North County fought back strongly with the ball through Brandon Morris, who claimed five for 41, while Sean Sludds returned three for 38. Nabi then gave the Cork innings vital late momentum, smashing 61 from just 34 balls with three fours and six sixes to lift the total beyond 240.

North County’s chase was anchored by Lochie Hardy, who made 83 from 103 balls, but wickets fell steadily around him. Diarmuid Carey did much of the damage, taking four for 34, while Nabi completed an excellent all-round performance with two for 32.

Alan Mathew offered support with 41, but once Hardy fell with the score on 162, the chase began to fade quickly. Eddie Richardson made 17 and Brandon Morris 11, but Cork continued to apply pressure and North County were eventually dismissed for 204 in 45.5 overs.

Nabeel Anjum picked up the final two wickets to finish with two for 32, sealing a deserved victory for Cork County.