Graeme Welch has named an unchanged squad for the NatWest T20 Blast match versus Northants Steelbacks at Wantage Road on Friday 27 May; 6.30pm start.
The Falcons will be looking to continue their winnings start to the campaign after securing a dominant nine-wicket win over holders Lancashire in their first match of the tournament last week.
Kiwi trio Hamish Rutherford, James Neesham and Neil Broom will be looking to extend their good Twenty20 form, Rutherford hit a stunning unbeaten 71 from 40 balls, Neesham secured two wickets and a run out, while Broom played an important role in scoring 25 in the win at Emirates Old Trafford.
In addition to Neesham, bowlers Alex Hughes, Andy Carter, Shiv Thakor and Matt Critchley impressed with the ball as Lancashire were restricted to just 131-7 on Saturday. The Falcons chased down their target with 33 balls to spare, after Wes Durston hit 30 off 15 to get the visitors off to an ideal start.
3. Wes Durston (Captain)
72. Hamish Rutherford
3. Neil Broom
77. Wayne Madsen
5. Jimmy Neesham
22. Chesney Hughes
10. Scott Elstone
18. Alex Hughes
57. Shiv Thakor
20. Matt Critchley
23. Tom Poynton
36. Ben Cotton
7. Andy Carter
Northants come into Friday’s fixture with high confidence after an impressive away win versus Leicestershire in the first round of NatWest T20 Blast fixtures.
The Steelbacks secured a five-wicket win over the Foxes via the Duckworth/Lewis method, chasing down 168 to win in 18 overs.
Richard Levi played a destructive innings at the top of the order, scoring 61 from 29 deliveries, including seven fours and three sixes, whilst overseas star Seekkuge Prasanna hit a six off the only delivery he faced to get the visitors over the line.
The Leicestershire wickets were shared between the Northants attack, with experienced campaigners Rory Kleinveldt and Azahrullah picking up one apiece, in addition to Prasanna claiming 1-21 from his four overs.
All-rounder Josh Cobb was in optimistic mood ahead of the tournament starting, saying the Steelbacks line-up is in confident mood going into the NatWest T20 Blast.
He said; “We’ve got a good record in T20 over the past few years and we’re really excited in the dressing room.
“There’s always a nice buzz around T20 and excitement about what we can achieve this year. We’re looking at the first games and thinking if we play to our potential, we should definitely come away with a few wins.”
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You can also follow live updates on Twitter (@DerbyshireCCC) by using the #NORvDER hashtag, plus updates will be available on Facebook throughout the match.
Supporters can also listen to live ball-by-ball commentary with BBC Radio Derby online HERE.
Derbyshire Falcons host their opening home NatWest T20 Blast fixture vs Leicestershire Foxes on Friday 3 June. Buy your tickets in advance to secure your seat and save 20%.
Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 3 June – BUY NOW
Birmingham Bears – Friday 17 June – BUY NOW
Notts Outlaws – Friday 24 June – BUY NOW
Northants Steelbacks – Sunday 3 July – BUY NOW
Yorkshire Vikings – Sunday 10 July – BUY NOW
Lancashire Lightning – Wednesday 13 July – BUY NOW
Worcestershire Rapids – Friday 22 July – BUY NOW
