Derbyshire Falcons claimed a dramatic five-wicket victory over Yorkshire to complete the double over the Vikings and move top of the NatWest T20 Blast North Group.
Billy Godleman (67) and Wayne Madsen (47) led the Derbyshire chase, before Gary Wilson (33 not out off 16 balls) crashed the winning four to chase down 181 with two balls to spare and give the Falcons a sixth win in the competition.
Wilson’s men now return to The 3aaa County Ground on Friday night for the big local derby against Notts Outlaws. Tickets will be available on the gate.
After Derbyshire lost the toss and took the ball in the first innings, just 11 runs came from the opening two overs before Adam Lyth (34) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (29) took the attack to the Falcons.
The 44-run stand was broken by Ben Cotton, who had Kohler-Cadmore caught by Luis Reece, bringing David Willey to the crease. He struck a six and a four in his 15 off eight deliveries, but was soon dismissed by Imran Tahir in his second over, the dangerous all-rounder caught by Wilson running towards the boundary.
Three balls later the Falcons completed the fightback after the early Vikings attack, Lyth caught on the mid-wicket boundary by Matt Henry off Madsen (1-29).
Making his debut for the Vikings, Sarfraz Ahmed (42) recovered for the hosts and alongside Shaun Marsh (31 not out), powered Yorkshire past 100 and onto 148, before he was the fourth wicket to fall, bowled by Hardus Viljoen (2-46).
Jack Leaning (6) was bowled three balls later as the Falcons looked to keep the Vikings below 175. This looked likely, until Tim Bresnan smashed an unbeaten 16 from just six deliveries to take Yorkshire to 180-5 from their 20 overs.
Making his NatWest T20 Blast debut and opening the Derbyshire reply, Tom Wood (9) struck an early four but was out in the fourth over to Bresnan, Adam Lyth taking a good catch.
Godleman started quickly, crashing Willey for back-to-back fours and then a six, before he lost his second partner, Reece caught for two and Derbyshire on 52-2 at the end of the powerplay.
Madsen got off the mark with a trademark reverse-sweep for four and then a six down the ground from Godleman started a period of dominance for the visitors.
Godleman reached his half-century off just 33 balls, including four fours and three sixes as the Falcons passed 100 in the 11th over and the experienced pair brought up their 50 partnership.
But once Godleman was out with Derbyshire needing 58 to win, the Vikings’ bowlers gained confidence and the required rate climbed above ten an over thanks to some tight bowling.
When you win to go top of #Blast17 North Group ??
Great knocks from @gwilson14 (33* off 16) and @yozza18 (9* off 3) at the end.#YORvDER pic.twitter.com/qcx4i1BLrf
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) August 3, 2017
Requiring 33 from the final three overs, Madsen crashed Rashid for six, before Wilson followed suit off the final ball, getting the Falcons back in front.
A tense game from start to finish, the momentum swung again in the 19th, Madsen and Henry both out to Patterson, leaving Derbyshire needing ten from the final over.
Alex Hughes hit Bresnan for six off the first delivery he faced and three off the next two balls took the pressure off Wilson and the game away from Yorkshire. This left the Derbyshire Captain to pull to the ropes for four and give his side a five-wicket win with two balls to spare.
Next up for the Falcons is the visit of Notts Outlaws to The 3aaa County Ground on Friday; 7pm start. Tickets are still available and it’s your last chance to buy in advance and save.
Supporters can purchase their tickets before midnight on Thursday 3 August to save £4 in advance of the on the day price. Further discounts are available for group bookings of 10+.
NatWest T20 Blast is back this July and August. Save £4 by purchasing your matchday tickets in advance. While further discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Buy online today to secure your place and save.
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