Derbyshire Falcons captain Gary Wilson admits his side did not perform well enough to win in the Vitality Blast match away to Worcestershire Rapids.
The 16-run loss, Derbyshire’s seventh of the campaign, leaves them sixth in the North Group on 10 points with two games left to play.
Qualification remains mathematically possible, however the Falcons need to win both of their matches and hope that other results go their way, a situation which leaves Wilson disappointed after a run of five wins in six left a quarter-final place in the Falcons’ hands.
Pleased with the bowling performance, the 32-year-old admitted the batsman struggled to measure the chase, believing a lack of confidence in the batting unit was reflected in the defeat.
He said: “It was a slow wicket, but we should be knocking off 137.
“At halfway, we knew the game wasn’t over, but we knew we were on top. There was no complacency, we just didn’t play well enough to win the game.
“They bowled well, but we’ve spoken about this and we don’t want to be timid. We’ve done a lot of things in that chase which we didn’t want to do and we need to learn, not just for the end of this season, but for next season as well.
“That is not how we want to play our cricket by any means. There are two ways about chasing a small total. You either go out and try and finish it in 15 overs or try and play normally.
“If you try and play normally you play a dangerous game as you bring them into it. They built pressure and we couldn’t live with that pressure.
“We are now relying on other teams and that is the most disappointing thing as it was in our hands for long periods of time.
“You can’t question the character of the players. Our batting hasn’t fired for the vast majority and when you’re short on confidence as a batting group, chases might not be as simple as they are. Last year. we chase that 137 in 15 or 16 overs.”
Derbyshire’s final home game in the competition is tomorrow against Leicestershire Foxes at The 3aaa County Ground and Wilson wants his side to bounce back with a win to reward supporters.
He was also quick to praise fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who leaves the Club to join up with Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League, with New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls set to debut as his replacement.
Wilson added: “Whilst there’s still a chance, and even if there isn’t, we owe it to the fans who buy tickets and watch on live streams, to go out there and play our best.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Wahab, he’s been outstanding with our younger bowlers and all of the bowlers in fact.
“He took Alex Hughes under his wing and you’ve seen how he’s gone this year, he’s our leading wicket-taker. He talks to him a lot and he’s brilliant in the team environment.
“I really hope we get him back next year.”
Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons are back at home on Wednesday 8 August against Northants Steelbacks. Purchase your tickets in advance and save from £4. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
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