Even if the summer hasn’t lived up to expectations, the temperature will certainly sizzle on Sunday afternoon when Cork County host CIYMS from Belfast in the Arachas All-Ireland T20 Cup semi-final. This short form of the game is sure to be exciting, promising explosive hitting, expert bowling, and agile fielding – a true spectacle for cricket enthusiasts.

CIYMS pose a formidable challenge, boasting interprovincial players and Irish internationals in their lineup. Their status as reigning champions, having secured the 2022 title on the same grounds, adds to the intrigue of this encounter.

Cork County have a few surprises of their own with Italian international Stefano Di Bartolomeo just back from a Player of the Match performance against Germany in a T20 World Cup Qualifier, while paceman Byron McDonough has recently taken his first wickets for the Munster Reds at provincial level. Captain Abubakar Saddique, a mainstay in the Cork County 1st team for over a decade, expressed excitement, “This presents a fantastic opportunity for us. Having home advantage against a formidable side like CIYMS is a privilege, and the Mardyke offers an exceptional cricketing atmosphere.”

CIYMS arrives with a robust lineup including Mark and Ross Adair, both Ireland internationals, and Carson McCullough, Ireland U19 – all eager to leave a mark on Leeside. On the other hand, Cork County looks to emerging talents Eshan O’Sullivan & Sunil Gautam (Munster Heat) and Diarmuid Carey (Munster Reds) who have been training hard and are keen to test themselves against a strong visiting side.

The action starts at 3pm on Sunday and admission is free at The Mardyke. With a passionate crowd expected, this promises to be an electrifying clash. As the dust settles, who’s to say that a Cork men’s team won’t be bringing an All-Ireland trophy back to Leeside?!