Ben Slater hit a record-breaking 148 not out, but it wasn’t enough as Northants Steelbacks claimed victory in the Royal London One-Day Cup fixture at Wantage Road.
Slater hit the highest score by a Derbyshire batsman against a first-class county in List A cricket to carry his bat and help his side post 272-7.
But the Steelbacks’ opening pair of Ben Duckett and Josh Cobb put their side in control, hitting 70 and 88 respectively, as the hosts chased down the total with eight overs remaining to claim victory by seven wickets.
The Falcons now need to beat Leicestershire Foxes in their final group fixture on Monday at The 3aaa County Ground to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages.
Electing to bat first, Billy Godleman and Slater shared a 69-run opening stand inside 15 overs, before the former was first out for 38.
This brought Wayne Madsen to the middle and with Slater the pair shared a 96-run stand for the second wicket. Madsen hit 39, before he was second man out, to Graeme White (2-32).
The rest of the innings belonged to Slater who compiled the third highest score by a Derbyshire batsman in List A cricket. The opener hit 14 fours and one six in his 159-ball innings, as the 24-year-old carried his bat to hit a career-best and end the innings unbeaten on 148.
Wickets fell round him in the final 10 overs, but Slater continued on his way to help the Falcons post 272-7 off their 50 overs.
Northants got off to a quick start in reply and never looked back. Duckett and Cobb shared a 116-run opening stand in 17.5 overs to put their side in control. Duckett took the attack to the visitors hitting 70 off just 56 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes, before he was the first man to go, bowled by Alex Hughes.
Cobb also impressed hitting 88 off 91 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, as part of a 76-run stand with Rob Keogh, before he was dismissed by Jimmy Neesham. But by then, the match was all but over, with the hosts 192-2 in the 31st over.
Keogh completed a half-century of his own before ending unbeaten on 63 as the Steelbacks claimed victory by seven wickets with eight overs remaining.
Supporters can save 20% by purchasing their Royal London One-Day Cup 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.
Leicestershire Foxes – Mon 1 Aug – BUY
