2:01 AM IST, 9:31 PM local time: Notts Outlaws have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying moments of this match. They win by 1 run and continue to be on the top of the North Group points table. Meanwhile, Lancashire Lightning will be scratching their heads and asking themselves, "How did we lose this?"
They needed 21 runs off the last 3 overs. Yes, their best batters on display tonight — Liam Livingstone and Keaton Jennings — had been dismissed. But with plenty of batting still to come and the required rate more than manageable by the standards of modern T20 cricket, they were expected to cruise home. However, then, Mohammad Ali bowled a frugal 18th over, which produced only 2 runs and the wicket of his compatriot Shadab Khan.
Yet, the deal was not sealed. It came down to 9 runs off the final over. Clarke could have gone to George Linde or Liam Patterson-White, both of whom had been splendid with the ball in hand tonight. But rather than bowling spin, he decided to bank on Olly Stone, who had bowled only one expensive 15-run over before this. And the fast bowler came out on top, despite the captain dropping a catch in that very over. He delivered hard lengths, bowled according to his fields and eventually, became the hero at Trent Bridge.
Earlier, the hosts had put up 181/6, riding on George Munsey's half-century, Tom Moores' sprightly 40 (26) and a healthy contribution from George Linde. The opener was particularly impressive in the powerplay, but lost the effervescence towards the end of his innings. Freddie McCann hit 2 boundaries in the 3 balls to proved the finishing touches. Lancashire used 5 bowlers, each of whom picked a wicket at least. Jack Blatherwick got two.
Interestingly, Tom Hartley did not bowl a single over. Special mention to the spectacular relay catch that got Liam Livingstone out. It was set up by Freddie McCann and eventually completed by Liam Patterson-White. It might be one moment that everyone gathered at the stadium today, will cherish and perhaps, remember for a while.