The much awaited Vitality Blast 2022 North Group clash between the Roses rivals Lancashire Lightning and Yorkshire Vikings at Old Trafford on May 27 lived up to its expectations, culminating in a thrilling tied finish.
“I’m a bit biased, but for me Lancashire v Yorkshire is the best game in the world,”
said Lancashire legend David Lloyd in the build-up to the classic rivalry clash earlier this week.
While the statement might be debatable, the 40 overs of action in Manchester on Friday certainly had the viewers on the edge of their seat.
No-ball, misfields, boundary and a wicket – the last over had it all. The game seemed evenly poised with Yorkshire needing 13 off six in a chase of 184, with Richard Gleeson up against a well set Harry Brook and No.7 Shadab Khan, who had just walked in.
Gleeson got it to 10 off three, before Shadab sliced a boundary through the backward point region, past a diving sweeper cover. A single off a waist-high no-ball and a mis-field allowing a brace followed, getting it down to a single required off the final ball.
Brook, 72 off 47 at that point, had middled most during his stroke-filled knock, but missed a straight, dipping low full-toss when it mattered to be adjudged leg-before, ensuring that the winner’s column was left blank.
Brook had walked in at the fall of skipper Joe Root’s wicket in the seventh over, and added 115 off 75 with Tom-Kohler Cadmore (67 off 50), who was run out on the final ball of the penultimate over.
Earlier, it was opener Phil Salt (59 off 41), who carried the Lancashire innings till the 16th over after they’d opted to bat, with contributions from the rest of the top four. Tim David extended his outstanding power-hitting form from the Indian Premier League to smash 35 off 18 to propel the hosts to 183/7.
Lancashire will play Worcestershire next, while Yorkshire will face Leicestershire at their respective home grounds on May 29.
