Lancashire Vs. Durham FLt20.

Lancs cruise double over Durham.

Karl Brown posted a t20 best of 62 as
Lancs posted 170-5.

The Lightning received yet another boost in their bid to qualify for the quarter finals today, reaching an inevitable 25-run victory over Durham, as Lancashire won their third successive home match. This win also sees them go top of the North Group, however fleetingly, due to Nottinghamshire’s number of matches still to play.

After a successful coin toss, Steven Croft’s men equalled their highest power play score of the season, reaching 54-0, as Karl Brown thrived in his role as an opener alongside Stephen Moore in the absence of the injured Tom Smith. The openers passed the previous highest opening stand versus Durham, which was largely down to Brown who accelerated to a 36-ball fifty.

Brown hit 9 fours and a six as he made his best t20 score for Lancashire and he was eventually caught by Ben Stokes for 62 at 85-1. Moore soon followed for a sluggish 18, which came as a disappointment after making a superb 74 versus Derbyshire on Friday.

In no way afflicted by the news of Australia’s defeat in the first Ashes test, Simon Katich took on the task of posting a thoroughly competitive total, as he finished unbeaten on 40. Croft struggled to get going and eventually fell for a run-a-ball 11, as Scott Borthwick finished with 2-26, with the hosts on 112-3.

Cameos from Ashwell Prince (17) and Gareth Cross (14) aided the innings, with both men being dismissed by Chris Rushworth (2-32).

Having posted 170-5, Lancashire had made their best t20 score of the season and Durham’s response left something to be desired. The visitors suffered from the early loss of their captain Mark Stoneman (7), who was caught in superb style by the one-handed dive of Simon Kerrigan. But the key wicket of Phil Mustard at 36-2, signalled Lancashire’s dominance in a chase that never got going.

A lone effort from Borthwick (62), matched Karl Brown’s effort and kept the game interesting for a short while, but an ever-increasing run rate continued to hang over Durham who now sit bottom of the group.

Once again the Lancashire spinners proved to be economical in the middle overs, with Arron Lilley (1-21) picking up the wicket of Will Smith (10). Simon Kerrigan also had an enjoyable match, taking the valuable wicket of Ben Stokes (9), both wickets falling to catches from Croft.

Now 98-4, Borthwick reached a half-century from 40 balls with a six, but he faced a daunting task with no help by his side. The pressure eventually tolled for Borthwick, as Kabir Ali claimed his third wicket, with Durham still needing 38 to win from just 9 balls.

Gordon Muchall mustered 27 not out, but he and Gareth Breese (2*) were only able to manage nine runs from the final over from Mitch McClenaghan, giving Lancashire a comfortable victory.