Leinster Lightning went from the highs of a record total of 425 on Tuesday to their second lowest cup tally of 137 as they slumped to a 7-wicket loss against Munster Reds at The Mardyke.

To be fair to the defending champions they were shorn of seven internationals for the game, and their much changed line-up was soon deep in the mire losing wickets in the first two overs to be 2 for 2.

Seamus Lynch (31) and Gavin Hoey (37) resisted briefly but Josh Manley (4-30), Gareth Delany (3-24), and Liam McCarthy (2-28) were all on the money in an impressive display by the bowling unit.

Mikey O'Reilly and debutant Sean McNicholl (1-4) struck two early blows in the chase, but a third wicket stand of 118 in 20 overs between Tyrone Kane and Ali Frost all but settled the contest.

Kane made a run-a-ball 71 (9 fours, 2 sixes), while Frost also cleared the ropes twice in his unbeaten 48.

The series resumes in three weeks when the remaining three matches will be played.

Just four points separate the Knights in top place and the Warriors at the bottom. so it's certainly all to play for next month.