Durham Snatch Thrilling Victory from Yorkshire in Vitality Blast

Durham's thrilling come-from-behind victory over Yorkshire in the North Group of the Vitality Blast was a testament to their resilience and the heroics of Australian quick Ben Dwarshuis.

Chasing 171, Yorkshire appeared to be cruising at 113 for 2 before leg-spinner Nathan Sowter's brilliance turned the tide. He dismissed Will Luxton and Jordan Thompson in quick succession, leaving Yorkshire vulnerable.

Dwarshuis, playing in only his third game for Durham, then claimed his first wicket in the last over and defended four off the last ball against George Hill. The Vikings finished on 167 for 7, handing Durham a crucial three-run victory.

Opener Graham Clark top-scored for Durham with 49 off 35 balls, while Adam Lyth led Yorkshire's chase with 54. Dan Moriarty impressed with two for 26 for Yorkshire, but Sowter's impact was pivotal.

Durham's innings started brightly, with Clark and Alex Lees taking 10 off the first over. However, Yorkshire restricted them to 44 for 1 after six overs. Clark's dismissal for 49 in the 13th over left Durham struggling, but Ollie Robinson, Bas de Leede, and Michael Jones provided a late surge, contributing 64 runs off the last five overs.

Yorkshire's chase began promisingly, with Lyth hitting two leg-side sixes. However, the loss of Dawid Malan and Joe Root raised Durham's hopes. Luxton threatened to take the game away with his aggressive batting, but Sowter's brilliance and Dwarshuis's heroics ultimately proved decisive.

Tags: #VitalityBlast, #Durham, #Yorkshire, #Cricket, #T20