Lorcan Tucker and Tyrone Kane were key to theLightning securing a second bonus-point victory over the Munster Reds and stretching their lead at the top of the Test Triangle InterProvincial T20 standings.
In a match reduced to 13-overs a side, the Lightning bowlers all contributed to restricting their hosts to 76/8. George Dockrell took 2-12, however it was James Newland (1-4), into the side to replace the injured Josh Little, who made the vital breakthrough having Jeremy Lawlor caught behind by Tucker.
The wickets fell at regular intervals as Munster were unable to build any partnerships of note. The Lightning ensured all the momentum was with them at half-time as Tyrone Kane (1-13) ran Senan Jones out with the last ball of the innings.
Any notions of a straightforward chase were dispelled when Jones and Aaron Cawley dismissed both Stephen Doheny and Kevin O’Brien to leave the Lightning 10/2 in the second over.
The difference in the sides batting performance was that Lorcan Tucker (28*) and Tyrone Kane (25) then proceeded to take the visitors to the brink of victory. After steadily rebuilding the innings for a number ofovers they unleashed a flurry of maximums through the eighth and ninth overs.
Between them they smashed five sixes as they brought up the 50-partnership before Kane departed with just 14 runs required. Curtis Campher 12 off five deliveries gave a glimpse of his abilities with the bat, however Kane and Tucker had done the heavy lifting in the innings.
The Lightning now move on to face the Northern Knights, who themselves had an 8-wicket victory over the North West Warriors, on Thursday.
Test Triangle Interprovincial T20 Trophy
Cork County CC, The Mardyke
Munster Reds v Leinster Lightning, Tuesday September 1st
Munster Reds 76/8 13 Overs (JJ Garth 22; G Dockrell2-12)
Leinster Lightning 77/3 9.4 Overs (L Tucker 28*, T Kane 25, C Campher 12*)
Leinster Lightning won by 7-wickets