Lancashire v Gloucestershire, Metro Bank One Day Cup

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Lancashire gave their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup a significant boost when they defeated Gloucestershire by four wickets at Emirates Old Trafford.

Having restricted the visitors to 270, in which Cameron Bancroft made 98, the home side were in trouble on 183 for six against a predominantly youthful attack.

But skipper George Balderson and Arav Shetty put on an unbroken 90 off 62 balls to clinch a vital win with 11 balls to spare. Balderson finished 56 not out Shetty was unbeaten on 36.

George Balderson, Lancashire captain, said: 

“I’m obviously thrilled to get over the line.

"When I walked out to bat, it looked like we were in a steady decline.

"But Arav and I managed to put a partnership together that turned the tide at the end. And the lads worked hard throughout the day. 

“We haven’t played much here this year but that’s the way games go at Old Trafford. The ball gets soft, spin takes control and it’s really tough to start innings on these wickets. 

“Arav came in and played brilliantly and gave me the freedom to finish it off. But we knew there was still work to do. 

“I’ve enjoyed the responsibility of captaincy. I’ve had a tough year with the bat so far and for me, I think I’m at my best when I try to score runs and not worry about what might go wrong.”