Derbyshire Falcons are on the charge in the Vitality Blast after securing four wins in a row, with a place in the knockout rounds now back within reach.
It’s been a memorable last 14 days, which included a four-day win against Northamptonshire at Queen’s Park sandwiched between a flurry of Twenty20 wins.
We look back at the past two weeks which saw some stunning performances, sold out crowds and great team displays which has put the Falcons back on track in the Vitality Blast.
MacLeod century seals first win
The Falcons needed something special to get the campaign moving in the right direction, and Scotland international Calum MacLeod was the man to deliver.
The batsman struck a superb 104 off just 61 balls, with 13 fours and four sixes, to become only the third Derbyshire batsman to hit three figures in a Twenty20 fixture, and the first since Wes Durston in 2010.
Derbyshire’s total of 211-2 proved too much, with Alex Hughes the pick of the bowlers with 4-42, as the Falcons secured their first win of the competition.
That is HUUUGGEEE!!! ?⚠️
One of four maximums for @calummacleod640 yesterday. This was certainly the pick of the bunch…#WeAreDerbyshire#NORvDER pic.twitter.com/0X2mJvH6Qg
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) July 20, 2018
Bowlers restrict Foxes to secure back-to-back wins
Following the four-day triumph over Northamptonshire at Chesterfield, focused switched back to the Vitality Blast and this time it was the bowlers who starred at Leicester.
Two wickets Ravi Rampaul (2-32) and Wahab Riaz (2-26), as well as high-class bowling from the economical Lockie Ferguson (0-21), helped keep the hosts to 149-5 from their 20 overs.
A blistering 32 from Hardus Viljoen and the well-paced half-century from Billy Godleman (57 not out) ensured Derbyshire remained in control of their chase to win with seven balls to spare.
Yes, Ravi! ?
He breaks the 67-run fourth-wicket stand to keep #DCCC on top at The Fischer County Ground.#WeAreDerbyshire#LEIvDER pic.twitter.com/YCRl5c8qEB
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) July 27, 2018
Critchley heroics earns famous win at Queen’s Park
A sold out crowd at Chesterfield witnessed one of the best Twenty20 matches the venue has ever witnessed as Matt Critchley shocked Yorkshire to claim, at the time, an unlikely win.
Needing 19 to win off the final over, the 21-year-old went 2, 6, 4, 6, 4 to hit 22 off just five balls to the elation of the home support. It’s the joint most ever hit off the final over to win a Twenty20 match in England.
Earlier, Ravi Rampaul led the way with the ball to claim 4-19 as Yorkshire were restricted to 166-8 off their 20 overs, after the visitors had been 91-2 at the halfway stage.
Billy Godleman carried his bat to top-score with a career-best 71 not out, but it was the heroics from Critchley that ensured a third straight win for the Falcons.
THE WINNING OVER ??
Sit back and enjoy as @mattcritchley96 goes 2️⃣6️⃣4️⃣6️⃣4️⃣ to win the game for #DCCC ? What a week, Critch!#WeAreDerbyshire#DERvYOR pic.twitter.com/oTfJNRKBws
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) July 28, 2018
Record win at Headingley and Derbyshire win four in a row
Just two days later, Gary Wilson’s men travelled to Leeds looking to do the double over Yorkshire for a second year in a row. What followed was a record display and the county’s most convincing of the campaign yet.
In a rain-reduced 17-overs per side match, Wayne Madsen smashed 66 off just 28 balls, while Wahab Riaz hit a career-best 44, as Derbyshire posted an imposing 179-7.
Yorkshire were never in the chase. Three wickets apiece for Alex Hughes (3-12), Lockie Ferguson (3-21) and Hardus Viljoen (3-32) saw the hosts bowled out for 102.
It was Derbyshire’s largest ever margin of victory in the format and left the Falcons fifth in the Vitality Blast North Group on eight points after four successive wins.
Wayne Madsen smashed 66 off just 28 balls last night ??
Which shot is your favourite? A, B, C or D…#WeAreDerbyshire#YORvDER pic.twitter.com/NJGFE9CQTj
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) July 31, 2018
Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons are back at home on Friday 3 August against Birmingham Bears. Purchase your tickets in advance and save from £4. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
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