Records tumble in run-fest for Notts and Steelbacks
WITH nearly 900 runs scored and records being broken left right and centre, Michael Lumb unsurprisingly labelled Notts Outlaws’ victory over Northants Steelbacks as one of the best he’s ever played in.
Lumb smashed 184 runs from 150 balls as he and Riki Wessels (146 off 97) shared a record-breaking 342-run opening stand in firing the Outlaws to 445-8, the second-highest List A score ever, at Trent Bridge.
The Steelbacks bit back only to be dismissed for 425, making it the highest scoring 50-over fixture in England, after Adam Rossington bludgeoned 97 off 69 and Rory Kleinveldt cracked 128 off 63.
“A game like that, nearly 900 runs scored in the day, what an unbelievable game of cricket,” said Lumb.
“Riki played beautifully, Rory Kleinveldt played unbelievably and Rossington, too. In terms of a cricket match it was definitely one of the best I have been a part of.
“I’m in a good place hitting the ball nicely, to get in and get a big score is pretty special.”
Derbyshire Falcons have made the early running in the North Group after Hamish Rutherford’s 104 from 76 helped them successfully chase down Worcestershire’s 295 all out on Sunday.
They followed that up with a sevenwicket win over Durham Jets, who had been 75-7 before Ryan Pringle’s century saw them post 216, on Tuesday.
Durham had, earlier in the week, overcome Leicestershire by 11 runs and there was a second defeat for the Foxes as Sam Hain’s 105 helped Warwickshire Bears to a nine-wicket win.
Warwickshire needed a win after a 42-run defeat to Lancashire Lightning on Sunday to join Worcestershire Rapids, who crushed Yorkshire by seven wickets at Headingley, with one victory from two games.
In the South Group, another heroic last-wicket stand for Somerset saw Jamie Overton (40no) and Tim Groenewald (34no) add 65 off 49 balls, to see off Gloucestershire in dramatic fashion.
Kent Spitfires also kicked off their One-Day Cup campaign with a onewicket win against Surrey, Alex Blake the hero with 66 not out.
Essex Eagles sit top of the South Group after beating Hampshire by seven wickets on Sunday with Tom Westley hitting a century.
Jesse Ryder’s ton then helped them successfully chase down Sussex Sharks’ 271 by five wickets 24 hours later while Glamorgan beat Gloucestershire by 52 runs.
Brendon McCullum’s 74 from 56 helped Middlesex to 295-8 from 50 but Hampshire scored 204-5 in 25.3 overs to win by D/L with Liam Dawson (68) top-scoring.