For the second time this season, Derbyshire were defeated by Yorkshire by just a single run in the NatWest T20 Blast, as the Vikings narrowly came out on top in a tight affair at The 3aaa County Ground.
After Kane Williamson had led the way for Yorkshire, scoring 65 as they posted 166-6 batting first, knocks of 44, 37 and 35 by Hamish Rutherford, Neil Broom and Chesney Hughes respectively, edged the Falcons close, but astute bowling by spin duo Adil Rashid (3-20) and Azeem Rafiq (1-28) meant the visitors came out on top.
Wes Durston won the toss and elected to field first in front of a packed house at Derby.
Adam Lyth was the first to go, bowled by Andy Carter and caught by Matt Critchley. It preceded a superb catch down low to his left by wicketkeeper Harvey Hosein to pouch Alex Lees without scoring.
Durston claimed 2-17 after taking the wickets of first David Willey (33) and then Will Rhodes (8) fell with Yorkshire 101-5. Wayne Madsen took the catch of both Willey and Rhodes at long-on, either side of Matt Critchley trapping Jack Leaning lbw for a single.
Kane Williamson proved a thorn in the side of Derbyshire for much of the innings, hitting 65 runs from 45 balls, until he was clinically bowled by his compatriot Jimmy Neesham. Useful late runs from Tim Bresnan (24) then helped Yorkshire get to 166-6 from their 20 overs.
The hunt for 167 was opened by Hamish Rutherford and Durston, but the only made five until he was lbw to Bresnan.
Kiwi duo Rutherford and Broom batted well to get their side towards three figures but England man Rashid then accounted for them both, leaving Derbyshire 102-3.
Madsen (13) was then stumped by Hodd, again off Rashid leaving Derbyshire 124-4. Willey then came into the attack for Yorkshire and dismissed Chesney Hughes (33) and Neesham (9) within three balls.
Matt Critchley and Harvey Hosein were the last at the crease for Derbyshire, but a last ball six by Critchley wasn’t enough to secure victory for the Falcons as they lost by just one run.
Supporters can save 20% by purchasing their NatWest T20 Blast matchday tickets in advance of the day of the game. Buy online, over the phone by calling 01332 388 101 or in person at The 3aaa County Ground.
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