Derbyshire Falcons batsman Chesney Hughes is targeting an East Midlands derby double ahead of the NatWest T20 Blast clash at Trent Bridge tonight; 6.30pm start.
The Falcons recorded their second-highest T20 total in the reverse fixture at The 3aaa County Ground last month as they amassed 201-7 from their 20 overs, with Hughes top scoring with a quickfire 52.
They then responded with a professional performance with the ball as Nathan Rimmington (3-24) and Shiv Thakor (2-30) helped to dismiss Notts for 167 to seal an impressive 34-run victory.
Hughes is encouraging the team to build on the standards achieved during that game, and is urging the team to use that display as a benchmark for the consistency they are aiming for.
“If we can get anywhere near that, we can beat Nottinghamshire and the big teams on a regular basis. It’s a case of playing to that standard more days than not,” said Hughes.
“We beat them at our place so we are going into the game knowing how to play against them. We are going to attack them from ball one and go hard at them and play really aggressive cricket to try and keep them on the back foot.
“The way we played against a strong Nottinghamshire team and to show the character we did was a credit to the players.
“We batted fearlessly and took it to them. We went hard at their bowling and batted well all the way through in what was a good solid performance which showed our potential as a team.
“It’s lack of consistency and a lack of experience in winning games so it’s just a case of getting over the line a few times and learning how to close out the game and having the confidence to do it.
“We have improved massively this season compared to last year when we didn’t look as if we could win a game. We’ve played to a standard where we’ve competed well and now it’s going that extra step from improving to winning.”
Derbyshire are back in action this Sunday as they take on Yorkshire Vikings in the NatWest T20 Blast at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. The game marks the final match of the Autoworld XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.
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