Derbyshire Falcons were unable to claim a third-consecutive win in the Vitality Blast, as Leicestershire Foxes claimed a 55-run win at The Pattonair County Ground.
Despite Matt Critchley claiming 2-25, the visitors managed a total of 149-7 from their 20 overs, with Mark Cosgrove top-scoring with a score of 38.
Colin Ackerman (3-9) and Gavin Griffiths (3-14) shared six wickets, as Derbyshire were bowled out for 94 runs in Derby.
Ravi Rampaul made the early breakthrough to have Harry Swindells (10) in the fourth over, before Arron Lilley (16) was caught by Critchley off Luis Reece.
Having taken four wickets on Tuesday, Critchley once again led the way with the ball as he claimed the key wickets of Cosgrove (38) and Ackermann (25).
Having seen both of their top-scoring batsmen dismissed, the Foxes recovered to post a total of 149-7, despite Rampaul claiming the wicket of Ali (18) in the final over.
Chasing 150 to win, the Falcons were quickly put on the back foot with the loss of Luis Reece for six in the second over, with Derbyshire still needing 141 to win.
On his 50th Twenty20 appearance for Derbyshire, Billy Godleman (2) was unable to build on the 92 runs that he hit against Worcestershire Rapids earlier this week, falling in a fourth over that also saw the wickets of Leus du Plooy (0) and Darren Stevens (0).
From that position, victory seemed unlikely but a partnership of 32 between Critchley and Fynn Hudson-Prentice (14) helped to stop the flow of wickets, before the former was bowled by Callum Parkinson for 21.
Despite an unbeaten 18 from Daryn Smit, the Falcons were dismissed for 94 in 18.2 overs, as Leicestershire Foxes claimed a 55-run win in Derby.
Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire host a hat-trick of Twenty20 matches at The Pattonair County Ground in August. Buy in advance to save. Call 01332 388 101 or buy online.
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