Patel Powers Derbyshire to Double Over Leicestershire in Vitality Blast

Derbyshire Falcons soared to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Leicestershire Foxes in the Vitality Blast North Group, completing a double over their East Midlands rivals. Veteran allrounder Samit Patel once again proved to be Leicestershire's tormentor, guiding Derbyshire to victory with an unbeaten 67.

Patel, who had starred in Derbyshire's earlier triumph at Edgbaston, continued his dominance with a blistering knock that included nine fours and two sixes. His innings proved crucial as Derbyshire chased down Leicestershire's total of 184 with four balls to spare.

Leicestershire had posted a competitive score thanks to Ben Cox's unbeaten 61 and Lewis Goldsworthy's 48. Cox smashed four sixes in his 30-ball knock, while Goldsworthy provided stability with his 41-ball innings.

However, Derbyshire's bowlers, led by Zak Chappell's three wickets, kept Leicestershire in check. Patel also chipped in with two wickets, while Pakistan quick Mohammad Amir made his Derbyshire debut without taking a wicket.

Derbyshire's chase got off to a strong start, with the team posting 64 in their batting powerplay. However, they lost three key batters in quick succession, including Luis Reece, Aneurin Donald, and David Lloyd.

Patel and Wayne Madsen steadied the innings with a 80-run partnership, but Madsen's dismissal and Ross Whiteley's golden duck raised doubts about Derbyshire's chances.

Brooke Guest's dismissal gave Leicestershire a glimmer of hope, but Patel remained unyielding. He continued to find the boundary with ease, and Chappell hit the winning boundary in the final over to seal the victory.

Earlier, Patel's decision to field first paid dividends as Leicestershire lost three wickets in the powerplay. Chappell removed Sol Budinger and Rishi Patel with slower balls, while Paul Stirling was run out by Madsen's direct hit.

Neesham and Louis Kimber fell in quick succession, but Goldsworthy and Cox rebuilt the innings. They added 48 runs in four and a half overs, giving Leicestershire a platform to launch an attack in the final overs.

Cox took full advantage, hammering four sixes in the last four overs to score 44 of the 58 runs added. However, it was not enough to prevent Derbyshire from securing a crucial victory that boosts their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

Tags: #VitalityBlast, #DerbyshireFalcons, #LeicestershireFoxes, #SamitPatel, #BenCox