Notts Outlaws Avenge Derby Defeat, Keep Vitality Blast Hopes Alive

Nottinghamshire Outlaws emerged victorious in a thrilling Vitality Blast encounter against Derbyshire Falcons at Trent Bridge, avenging their earlier defeat at Derby. The eight-run triumph keeps Notts' hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive, despite their challenging start to the season.

Joe Clarke, still seeking his maiden half-century of the campaign, led the Outlaws' batting charge with a brisk 47 off 28 deliveries. Tom Moores (31 off 27) and Matt Montgomery (28 not out off 31) provided valuable contributions in the latter stages, setting a target of 174 for the Falcons.

Derbyshire's response was spearheaded by Aneurin Donald's blistering 26-ball 52 and Wayne Madsen's steady 40 off 35. However, the Outlaws' bowlers, led by New Zealand quick Ben Lister (2 for 24), maintained a disciplined performance, ensuring that the Falcons fell short of their target.

The match was not without its controversies. Clarke was initially given out caught at short third man but stood his ground, arguing that the ball had not been cleanly taken. After a heated exchange with the umpires, he was eventually persuaded to leave the field.

The Falcons' chase began promisingly, with Donald's explosive hitting propelling them to 70 for 1 in the powerplay. However, Liam Patterson-White's superb spell, which included the wicket of Donald, swung the momentum in Notts' favor.

Madsen kept the Falcons in contention with a defiant 40, but Ross Whiteley's dismissal off Lister and Patel's unfortunate run-out left them needing 19 runs from the final six balls. The Outlaws held their nerve, securing an eight-run victory and keeping their slim hopes of qualification alive.

Tags: #VitalityBlast, #NottinghamshireOutlaws, #DerbyshireFalcons, #JoeClarke, #AneurinDonald