Cricket

Durham's impressive performance in the Vitality Blast continued as they secured a comfortable 30-run victory over Nottinghamshire Outlaws at the Seat Unique Riverside. The win strengthens Durham's chances of reaching the quarter-finals, while Notts remain rooted at the bottom of the North group.After being put in to bat, Durham struggled initially, losing three wickets for 106. However, Ashton Turner (44*) and Callum Parkinson (3-15) played pivotal roles in guiding the hosts to a competitive 160 for six. Turner and Ben Raine (23*) forged a crucial partnership of 54 runs, with Raine hitting the first six of the night in the penultimate over.Nottinghamshire's chase started promisingly, but Durham's bowlers, led by Parkinson, applied relentless pressure. Parkinson claimed three wickets, including the key scalps of Joe Clarke and Ben Slater, while Raine removed the dangerous Matthew Montgomery.Despite a late flurry of fours from Montgomery, Durham's bowlers maintained their discipline, with Nathan Sowter and Ackermann picking up crucial wickets. The Outlaws were eventually restricted to 130 for nine, handing Durham their sixth win of the season.Turner's unbeaten 44 and Parkinson's three-wicket haul were the standout performances for Durham. The hosts now sit in the top four with two games remaining, while Notts' hopes of reaching the knockout stages are fading.

Durham and Essex played out a thrilling draw in their Vitality County Championship match at the Seat Unique Riverside, with both teams showcasing impressive performances.Essex, batting first, amassed a formidable 488 runs, thanks to Nick Browne's patient century (184) and Aron Khushi's valuable 107. Durham's bowlers fought back, with Callum Parkinson claiming his maiden five-wicket haul (5-131).In response, Durham posted 358, led by Michael Ackermann's 112, Will Robinson's 90, and David Bedingham's 52. Essex held a 130-run lead, but Durham's bowlers kept them at bay.On the final day, Essex pushed for victory, but Alex Lees' resolute 48 not out in 128 minutes proved too much to overcome. Durham reached 131 for 2 before bad light ended play, with Bedingham unbeaten on 33.Browne's century was a testament to his patience, having faced 238 balls over 286 minutes. Parkinson's five-wicket haul was a significant achievement for the young spinner.Despite the draw, both teams earned valuable points. Durham took 12 points, while Essex received 14, leaving them equal on points with Surrey at the top of the First Division.