Lincolnshire book place in T20 Super 12s with win and draw
Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire served up a superb day of NCCA T20 cricket at Barton Town CC, producing a dramatic tie in game one before Lincolnshire held their nerve again in game two to secure a valuable three-point haul and confirm their place in the Super 12s.
In game one, Lincolnshire, batting first, posted 172-5, built on two standout innings:
Ben Martindale who hit a sparkling 65 from 38 balls on debut, showing the class Nottinghamshire CCC followers know well and Joe Pocklington, back in Lincolnshire colours for the first time since 2026, anchored the innings with a composed 67 from 49.
Their partnership set the tone, giving Lincolnshire a competitive total on an excellent Barton Town surface.
Cambridgeshire’s reply was measured and threatening throughout.
Entering the final over, they needed just eight runs from six balls - advantage Cambridgeshire.
But Matty Mills delivered a superb pressure over, taking the game to the final ball that resulted in a scrambled second run being attempted that would have sealed victory for Cambridgeshire, but sharp fielding and a calm finish saw the batter run out, levelling the scores and ending the match in a dramatic tie — a rarity in T20 cricket.
Pocklington again proved his worth with 2-23 and Matty Mills took 2-31, both holding their nerve when it mattered most.
Batting first again in game two, Lincolnshire produced another strong total, finishing on 178-5.
The batting stars from the first game were again at the forefront with Martindale striking a blistering 30 from just 12 balls, providing instant momentum and Pocklington with a superb 72 not out from 48 balls, anchoring the innings with authority.
Pranav Pothula continued his excellent season with a fluent 61 from 40, rotating the strike beautifully and punishing anything loose.
Cambridgeshire again built steadily in reply and were well-placed heading into the closing overs. But Lincolnshire’s death bowling proved decisive.
Key contributions came from captain Nic Keast with 2-35, Matty Mills, for the second time in a day claiming a brace with 2-33 and star of the show was Amartya Kaul (Bracebridge Heath CC) with 3-29 and delivering the crucial breakthroughs that halted Cambridgeshire’ momentum as they closed on 162-8, finishing 17 runs short.
Barton Town CC provided a superb wicket and outstanding hospitality, helping create a memorable day for players and supporters alike.
Lincolnshire walked away with three points from a possible four, enough to secure qualification for the Super 12s in early August.