Luke Marillier enhanced his growing reputation with a magnificent unbeaten century, but Munster Heat produced a determined second-innings display to secure a draw against the Emerging Warriors in their Future Series encounter.

Zimbabwe-born Marillier, who plays his club cricket for Donemana, struck an outstanding 167 not out from 143 deliveries. His increasingly impressive season continued with an innings featuring 10 fours and nine sixes as the Warriors declared on 411 for eight from 79 overs. ([cricketeurope.com][1])

The Warriors resumed on 138 for three, with James Smallwoods having contributed 45 and Hassan Shahid making a patient 46. Marillier then took control, adding 105 for the fourth wicket with Scott Macbeth.

Macbeth increased the tempo with 63 from 61 balls, striking two fours and four sixes, before being stumped off Seneth Sumanasinghe. Sam Haslett added a useful 31, while captain Robbie Millar made 17 and Cameron McClay contributed 10.

Mark Donnelly was Munster’s most successful bowler, claiming four for 71, including the wickets of James Smallwoods, Hassan Shahid, Robbie Millar and Bobby Brolly. Usman Sherzad, Seneth Sumanasinghe and Zubair Khalid also claimed a wicket apiece. 

Facing a significant deficit, Munster responded with impressive discipline as Sunil Gautam and Awais Saghir shared a 94-run opening partnership.

Awais provided the more attacking contribution, hitting eight fours and three sixes in his 64 from 93 deliveries. Hassan Shahid eventually removed him, but Sunil occupied the crease for 119 balls to finish unbeaten on 31.

Captain Thorne Prophet joined Sunil and made 11 not out as Munster reached 121 for one from 39 overs when the match ended.

Marillier also bowled eight economical overs for only 20 runs, but Munster’s resilience ensured that a contest dominated by his brilliant century ultimately finished with honours even.