Cricket

Leicestershire Foxes kicked off their Metro Bank One-Day Cup title defense with a thrilling victory over Notts Outlaws, despite a dramatic rain interruption.The Foxes posted an impressive 369 for 6, led by captain Lewis Hill's 81 and Sol Budinger's 75. Ajinkya Rahane, making his debut for Leicestershire, contributed a fluent 71. Ben Cox and Ben Mike provided a late surge with some big hitting.Nottinghamshire's chase was initially halted by rain, leaving them stranded on 50 without loss. After a two-and-a-half-hour delay, the Outlaws were given a revised target of 105 from 3.5 overs.The visitors attempted a daring strategy by retiring Ben Slater and Freddie McCann in favor of Jack Haynes and Tom Moores. However, Haynes was dismissed first ball, followed by Lyndon James. Liam Patterson-White and Matt Montgomery also fell cheaply.Moores briefly threatened with four boundaries in four balls off Ben Mike, but the Outlaws ultimately fell 16 runs short. Tom Scriven was the pick of the Leicestershire bowlers with 3 for 20.The Foxes' batting performance was a positive sign, with Budinger delivering a measured innings and Rahane showcasing his quality. The Indian Test star's dismissal to a wide full toss from James was a surprise, but Cox and Mike's late sixes provided a strong finish.James took three wickets for the Outlaws, but his expensive spell of 105 runs proved costly. Chris Wright, returning from suspension, bowled his first competitive overs of the season.

Worcestershire Rapids emerged victorious in their Vitality Blast encounter against Notts Outlaws at Trent Bridge, securing a 20-run triumph. The Rapids' victory marked their second win in three North Group matches, while the Outlaws suffered their third consecutive defeat.After opting to bat first, the Rapids endured a shaky start, losing three wickets within the powerplay. However, a remarkable recovery led by Nathan Smith and Adam Hose propelled them to a respectable total of 154 for 8. Smith, the New Zealand seamer, smashed a career-best 51 not out from 35 deliveries, while Hose contributed 36 from 37 balls.The Outlaws' bowling attack was led by Ben Lister and Calvin Harrison, who claimed two and one wickets respectively. However, the Rapids' disciplined bowling and sharp fielding proved too much for the home side.Notts' batting lineup struggled to gain momentum, with Will Young's 25 being the highest individual score. Seamer Tom Taylor impressed for the Rapids, taking 2 for 23. The Outlaws' hopes were further dented by the early dismissals of Joe Clarke and Alex Hales.Despite a brief partnership between Matt Montgomery and Young, the Outlaws' chase faltered as they lost wickets in quick succession. James, Harrison, Moores, and Stone all fell short of expectations, leaving the Rapids to celebrate a well-deserved victory.