Captain Wes Durston says the dominant nine-wicket win over Lancashire Lightning was the perfect start to the new NatWest T20 Blast campaign.
Durston hit 30 off 15 balls before Hamish Rutherford hit an unbeaten 71 off 40 balls, which included three sixes and six fours, as the Falcons successfully chased down their 132 victory target with 33 balls to spare.
The low target had been set after a fine all-round performance in the field. Making his Derbyshire debut, Jimmy Neesham took 2-38 and also secured a run out as the hosts were restricted to 131-7 from their 19 overs, after the start was delayed by rain.
Durston said: “It was the perfect start really. We come here and expect a tough game. The fact that they’re defending champions, it was great to come here and get the two points.
“We got an early wicket and that relaxed us. The first game everyone’s energy levels are really high and you can sometimes do silly things. But getting that wicket calmed us down and we controlled the powerplay and adjusted the way we bowled to that wicket.
“I was really pleased for Matt Critchley on debut. Bowling leg-spin is not easy, and he bowled beautifully in partnership with Alex Hughes. We squeezed the game and were delighted to be chasing 132.
“132, the pressure’s on us to win the game. They will feel they were under par. We tried to get off to a fast start and above the rate before the spinners came into the game.
“That’s exactly how it proved. Hamish played fantastically with Broom to finish the game off.”
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
