Luis Reece (60) and Wayne Madsen (59 not out) led Derbyshire to a six-wicket victory over Northants Steelbacks in the Vitality Blast.
Ravi Rampaul claimed 3-17 as the hosts posted a total of 180-5, with Josh Cobb (84) and Adam Rossington (50) made half-centuries for Northants, while debutant Boyd Rankin (1-33) took his first wicket.
Madsen was unbeaten on 59 at the end of the innings as Derbyshire secured victory with two overs to spare, their second win in this year’s Vitality Blast.
Rampaul made the early breakthrough when he had Ben Curran (3) caught by Luis Reece, as the Falcons made a strong start to the game.
The opening wicket brought Cobb to the crease, and the pairing of him and Rossington put on a century-partnership, compiling 103 runs before the latter was dismissed the ball after reaching 50, thanks to a terrific caught and bowled from Alex Hughes.
Cobb (84) continued and brought up his half-century in 34 balls, including one four and four sixes, before Rampaul doubled his wickets tally when the batsman was caught by du Plooy.
The dismissal was Rampaul’s 100th for Derbyshire in all formats, and he claimed his 101st in the final over of the innings, having Wakely (27) caught by Anuj Dal as the hosts posted 180-5 from their 20 overs.
Chasing 181 to win, the opening partnership of Reece and Billy Godleman brought up their half-century stand within six overs before the captain was out for 14 to Cobb.
Reece and Madsen took the attack to Northants and compiled 35 as Reece (60) made it to 50 off 33 balls, including three fours and three sixes before he was caught by Wakely off Graeme White.
However, Madsen continued to attack and brought up his decisive half-century in 28 balls, making a further nine runs before Alex Hughes (21 not out) struck his third four of the innings to confirm the win for the Falcons, their first since the opening match against Yorkshire.
Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire host a hat-trick of Twenty20 matches at The Pattonair County Ground in August. Buy in advance to save. Call 01332 388 101 or buy online.
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