Bella Armstrong produced a sensational display of power-hitting as Merrion crushed Leinster by nine wickets in a remarkable run chase.

Leinster had earlier posted 132 for seven from their 20 overs, with former Ireland captain Laura Delany providing the backbone of the innings with 43 from 37 balls, including four boundaries.

Joanna Loughran added 27 from 25 deliveries, the pair putting on 49 for the third wicket after Leinster had slipped to 25 for two.

Armstrong had already made her mark with the ball, taking two for 15, while Sibha Bhoja also claimed two wickets. Aoife Hayden, Aoife Brennan and Annabel Squires picked up one apiece.

Any hopes Leinster had of defending their total quickly disappeared as Armstrong launched an extraordinary assault.

Although Annabel Squires fell for nought with the score on 17, Armstrong and Rebecca Stokell then demolished the attack in an unbroken second-wicket partnership of 117.

Armstrong blasted an unbeaten 89 from only 28 balls, striking 16 fours and three sixes at an incredible strike-rate of 317.86.

Stokell was hardly subdued herself, racing to an unbeaten 18-ball 37 with eight boundaries.

Merrion powered to the win in just seven overs, sealing an emphatic nine-wicket victory with 13 overs to spare, ensuring they stay top of the table.