Leinster Lightning made it two trophies in two weeks to make it a hat trick of double success in the Inter-Provincial Series. The Lightning have won each of the trophies on offer in the last three years. Today capped it off with the holders finishing a dominant 10 points ahead of North West Warriors in second place in the Inter-Provincial T20 Cup.
The Warriors started the day knowing they had a chance of upsetting the holders if they could get one over on them in the first of two games due to be played in Lisburn. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Lightning captain, Lorcan Tucker, will have been pleased to see and early breakthrough courtesy of Jai Moondra (3-39) who dismissed Gavin Roulston (1) in the third over.
Andy Balbirnie, however, had a completely different day to his opening partner. The North West Warriors right-hander hit 11 fours and five sixes on his way to a maiden T20 century, finishing on 102* from just 61 deliveries. Scott MacBeth (29) and Gareth Delany (28) were the others to make double figures as the Warriors posted a competitive 176-4 from 18 overs.
Once DLS was applied, the adjusted target was 185 from 18 overs. Fionn Hand (1-1) was the other wicket-taker for the Lightning.
With rain around, Leinster Lightning went out with the intent to get ahead of the game. However, they couldn’t have had a worse start to the chase as Tim Tector was out first ball to Liam McCarthy (1-44). Thereafter, however, it was all about the Lightning batting.
Stephen Doheny continued his good form, scoring 42 from just 14 deliveries with four boundaries and three sixes. Once he was dismissed by Trent McKeegan (1-18), Harry Tector (59) and Lorcan Tucker (25) picked up from where he left off, reaching 129-2 in 9.4 overs before the rain prevented any further play. The victory by 40 on DLS handed Leinster Lightning another title before the second game of the day was rained off without a ball bowled.
MATCH SUMMARY
North West Warriors v Leinster Lightning, Inter-Provincial Trophy 2026, Wallace Park, Lisburn, 29 July 2026
NWW 176-4 (18 overs; A Balbirnie 102*; J Moondra 3-39)
LL 129-2 (9.4 overs; H Tector 59*, S Doheny 42*; T McKeegan 1-18)
Leinster Lightning won by 40 runs on DLS
Scorecard here
