Graeme Welch hailed a fine all-round performance as his Derbyshire Falcons players defeated Lancashire Lightning by five wickets in the NatWest T20 Blast on Friday night at Derby.
Lancashire were restricted for 127-9 in their 20 overs after being inserted by Wes Durston, with Wayne White recording Man of the Match figures of 3-21.
Derbyshire subsequently knocked off the runs for the loss of five wickets with 14 balls to spare, after international duo Hashim Amla (51) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (38) had put on an opening partnership of 93.
And Welch praised a sensational all-round performance as Derbyshire recorded their first win of the competition.
“It was a top performance with the ball. We stuck to our plans, bowled good lengths, and took key wickets at crucial times.
“The seam attack were all very good, they were backed up by Dilshan’s spin and it was a good complete performance in the field.
“Then Amla and Dilshan got us off to a great start and helped us chase the runs down.
“I am very happy with the way things are going and all the lads are embracing what we are doing.”
Captain Wes Durston praised the bowling of White and emphasised the quality of his side’s display.
“I’m delighted for Wayne, he was close to playing in the first LV= County Championship game before getting injured. I was pleased for him and he thoroughly deserves his man of the match award.
“It was a solid performance and I thought after winning the toss and bowling we certainly vindicated that decision.
“All the bowlers and the guys in the field fronted up tonight, Amla and Dilshan were brilliant in how they chased the runs down, and it was a very good performance all-round.
Derbyshire are back in NatWest T20 Blast action next Friday (5 June) when they welcome Durham, featuring Ben Stokes, to The 3aaa County Ground.
