Derbyshire Falcons v Lancashire Lightning, Vitality Blast

The class of James Anderson guided Lancashire Lightning to a tense four run Vitality Blast North Group victory over Derbyshire Falcons at The OurCoop County Ground.

Anderson bowled a superb penultimate over that cost only three runs and finished with 2 for 19 as the hosts were dismissed for 210 chasing a target of 206.

Aneurin Donald blasted six sixes in a 37 ball 88, his highest T20 score, and Ross Whiteley hammered 46 from 29 but Anderson’s nous proved decisive.

The Lightning posted 205 with Ben McDermott scoring 68 from 40 balls while Shadab Khan hammered the fastest-ever T20 half century by a Lancashire batter off 19 balls. Shadab finished with 58 off 22 before Akif Javed took three wickets in the final over to finish with 4 for 36.

Lancashire Lightning all-rounder Shadab Khan, who scored Lancashire's fastest T20 fifty said:

"To play with Jimmy (Anderson) is great, it's an inspiration for everyone. He's a legend of the game, how he's still doing this is amazing.

"His work ethic is amazing and he has so much experience to play on these type of pitches or any type of pitches and he gives you so much quality.

"That was a match-turning over from him because that second from last over is always a turning point and how he showed his skill was amazing. The batsman was set so how he managed to do that was amazing."