Double joy for Lincs CCC as they begin Unicorns T20 action
The Imp County triumphed in both matches that were played and currently head their group table.
In the first match Lincolnshire batted first and, despite the early loss of Tom Keast, opener Joe Kendall stood firm and held the innings together with a fine 66 not out, with strong support from Louis Kimber (23), Azeem Rafiq (23) and Dan Freeman (24 not out).
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAfter 20 overs Lincolnshire had totalled 161 for 4 scoring evenly throughout their innings.
In reply Northumberland made a steady start before five wickets fell for the addition of 13 runs with Alex Willerton and Azeem Rafiq taking the vital wickets.
By this stage Northumberland were behind the required run rate and faced an uphill task.
Some limited resistance came from their lower order but by the end of their allotted 20 overs they were 120 for 8.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWillerton with 3 for 11 off his four overs had inspired Lincolnshire to victory by 41 runs.
In the second match Lincolnshire again batted first with Usman Arshad this time holding the home county’s innings together, making 65 off 54 balls before being dismissed in the final over.
Azeem Rafiq (32) and Joe Kendall (25) gave solid support.
Northumberland set off at a quicker pace in this innings and by six overs had reached 60 for 2.
Thereafter their innings faltered somewhat as wickets began to fall.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBy their final over the visitors required 21 for victory with two wickets remaining.
Alex Willerton bowled a double wicket maiden to end with 4 for 12 off three overs and left Lincolnshire winners by 20 runs.
Lincolnshire’s next match in this competition is on Sunday, May 26 (11am start) when they face Cumberland at Penrith.