Falcons narrowly beaten at Trent Bridge

Derbyshire fell just short in the East Midlands Derby, as Notts Outlaws secured a 13-run victory at Trent Bridge. 

Joe Clarke struck 57 as Notts put on 198-6 from their 20 overs, despite four wickets shared between Alex Hughes (2-34) and Dustin Melton (2-37), to set Derbyshire 199 to win.

Despite a brilliant half-century from Wayne Madsen (68) and big contributions from Matt Critchley (44) and Hughes (36 not out), The Falcons were unable to chase down the target in Nottingham, closing on 185-6.

Dustin Melton made the early breakthrough on his Vitality Blast debut, when he had Chris Nash (3) caught by Dal in the second over, which brought Clarke to the crease.

On the day that Melton claimed his first T20 wicket for Derbyshire, Hughes became the club’s joint-leading wicket-taker in the format alongside Tim Groenewald, as he dismissed both Hales (49) and Clarke (57) to claim his 50th and 51st.

Clarke’s half-century arrived in 29 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while scores of 31 from Tom Moores and 27 from Dan Christian helped the hosts to a total of 198-6, meaning Derbyshire would require a club-record chase of 199 to win the game.

And their innings got off to the worst possible start, when Luis Reece was bowled by Imad Wasim with the first ball, while Billy Godleman also fell without scoring in the second over.

Madsen (68) put on half-century stands with Leus du Plooy (17) and Critchley (44), as he moved the Falcons closer to a winning total, but he would not be able to see his side home, as he was bowled by Jake Ball.

An unbeaten 36 from Alex Hughes gave Derbyshire hope in the latter stages, but 23 off the final over proved too tough a task for he and Dal, as the Falcons were beaten by 13 runs.

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Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons return to Twenty20. Follow every game live on our match centre at derbyshireccc.com. Derbyshire Falcons: Underestimated No More