Kevin O’Brien Literally Smashes Lightning to Victory

Kevin O’Brien smashed eight maximums as his 82 delivered a 24-run (DLS) victory for the Leinster Lightning over the North West Warriors at Sydney Parade on Thursday.

Not only did O’Brien despatch the Warriors bowlers to all parts, he cleared the clubhouse twice with extra cover drives, the headline grabbing shot came over long-on when a huge six smashed the back window of his own car in the car park!

Having been put in to bat, Graham Hume (3-18) had the Lightning in trouble, however O’Brien at the other end was unfazed. He very nearly batted through the innings, as after the match was initially reduced, a second rain break meant a 12-over match and O’Brien fell to the last ball of the innings having made 82 off just 37 deliveries.

Simi Singh scored a run-a-ball 25* in partnership with O’Brien, as he simply gave the strike to the man with the hot hand. Who could blame him as O’Brien kept the foot down throughout the innings to ensure the Warriors would have to score at nearly 11 over an over when the DLS adjustment revised the target to 129 in 12 overs.

When Peter Chase (2-19) and Josh Little (1-23) removed McGuire and Rankin in the first two overs of the chase, the momentum was firmly with the home side.

William Porterfield (50 off 30) played a lone hand to keep the Warriors in the game, however Singh (3-11) delivered the coup de grace with a clever slower ball, followed two balls later by the wicket of Allen to leave the Warriors needing 50 off 15 deliveries with just two wickets in hand.

Kevin O’Brien’s first innings fireworks had given the Lightning a score to defend and the bowling attack obliged, despite Porterfield’s best efforts.

The Lightning couldn’t quite restrict the runs to gain another bonus point but to get a victory after Tuesday’s washout against the Knights, and the Knights match against the Munster Reds also being washed out today, is a big step forward for George Dockrell’s side.

Test Triangle Interprovincial T20 Trophy

Pembroke CC, Sydney Parade

Leinster Lightning v North West Warriors, Thursday August 27^th    

Leinster Lightning 124/4 12 Overs (K O’Brien 82, S Singh 25*; G Hume 3-18)

Adjusted Target 129 in 12 overs

North West Warriors 104/8 12 Overs (W Porterfield 50; S Singh 3-11, P Chase 2-19, T Kane 2-20)

Leinster Lightning won by 24 runs (DLS)