Brandon Kruger's five-wicket haul led Munster Heat to a comfortable seven-wickets win over the Emerging Knights at The Maws.

The NCU side were somewhat understrength due to injury and availability issues, but they got off to a strong enough start with stand-in captain Paddy Beverland (24) and Ollie Metcalfe (130 sharing an opening stand of 34.

Brandon Kruger

However, Harlequins bowler Kruger dismissed both on his way to 5 for 13 as the Knights were bowled out for just 109.

Eshan O'Sullivan took 2 for 29, while there were also wickets for Adam Hickey and Byron McDonough.

Kruger went early in the chase, but a second-wicket stand of 78 between Awais Saghir and Cormac Hassett (27) all but settled the contest.

Awais Saghir

Saghir hit 4 fours and 4 sixes in his unbeaten 59 from 76 balls, as Munster sealed the win with 22 overs to spare, sealing a bonus point win.

EMERGING/FUTURE SERIES

At The Maws, Munster Heat beat Emerging Knights by 7 wickets

Emerging Knights 109 all out (37.2 overs; P Beverland 24; B Kruger 5-13, E O'Sullivan 2-29)

Munster Heat 113/3 (28 overs; Awais Saghir 59*, C Hassett 27)