Barry McCarthy’s brilliant century lit up a gloomy Sydney Parade, treating the handful of spectators to a wonderful display of power hitting on his home ground.

Coming to the middle at 166 for 7, Lightning were in some trouble despite Cormac McLoughlin’s 67, which included 11 boundaries.

McCarthy counter-attacked, thumping ten sixes and four fours on his way to 110 from only 59 balls, in the process becoming only the fifth batsmen to score a List-A century from number nine.

He added 88 in 12 overs with Gavin Hoey (24) and 59 in five overs with Josh Little, as Lightning plundered 114 from the last ten overs to end on 315 for 9.

Matthew Humphreys (3-43) was the pick of the Knights attack, while Tom Mayes also claimed three scalps.

The Knights' chase looked to be on as they reached 93 for 1, but George Dockrell struck twice in quick succession dismissing James McCollum (41) and Mark Adair to put his side on top as they slipped to 105 for 4.

Neil Rock hit back with a powerful 81 from just 58 balls (9 fours, 4 sixes) adding 119 with Cade Carmichael (43).

However, just as they got themselves into a winning position, they crumbled, losing the last five wickets for just 16, to lose by 54 runs.