Anuj Dal is looking forward to another brilliant Pattonair County Ground atmosphere when Derbyshire Falcons host Notts Outlaws in the East Midlands Derby on Friday 5 June (7pm start).
Dal, who was with Nottinghamshire before joining Derbyshire in 2018, featured in the club’s run to Finals Day last season, appearing in the final two group matches, the quarter-final against Gloucestershire and the Edgbaston showpiece itself.
Last year’s clash between Derbyshire and Notts sold out for the first time since 2013, and a record number of tickets have already beensold during the pre-sale window for 2020’s fixture.
Dal says that the atmosphere during the match is a special one, and something which helps the players.
“It’s a massive game, one that I’m always looking forward to,” said Dal.
“It’s a really good fixture, the crowds are always big and the atmosphere is incredible. It’s almost like you have another man on the field.
“That’s something you recognise whether you are batting, bowling or in the field, they give you that little bit of energy when you’re feeling down, if things haven’t gone well, the crowd are always there to pick you back up.
“Derbyshire supporters are unbelievable. I can’t describe them properly, they are just awesome.”
For the first time ever, the East Midlands Derby will be contested between two Vitality Blast semi-finalists from the previous year.
Dal believes Derbyshire’s success last campaign will give the fixture even higher stakes this time around.
“For us, getting to Finals Day last year was a huge feat, and it is a testament to the work that the lads put in over the last couple of years.
“For us to get that recognition is really good, it will be two semi-finalists coming up against each other. It’s always a big game and it will be brilliant for the crowds to watch.”
Tickets for this year’s Vitality Blast go on general sale on Monday 2 March. Register your interest to be notified when they are available.
Vitality Blast Pass! Back the Falcons in 2020 and watch every home Vitality Blast group game for just £89. Buy now and save over 30%. Derbyshire Falcons: Underestimated No More.
