What is this lightning?

Question

I was in my backyard during a thunderstorm admiring it.i was shocked with what i saw. it was a huge orb like figure that exploded with thick streaks of white lighting coming out of it in different directions. what was this!?

Answer 1

Judging by your description, that was probably ball lightning you saw.

Answer 2

Oh i thought this was a joke until i saw the description [what is this lightning?]

-its definitely ball lightning, its so amazing isn't it?, i was playing cricket when it started once no-one knew what it was but then i researched it...