Derbyshire Falcons’ valiant efforts fell short of securing a Metro Bank One Day Cup quarter-final berth, despite a thrilling four-wicket victory over Durham at Chester-le-Street. The win was overshadowed by Hampshire’s superior net run rate, which ultimately denied Derbyshire a knockout stage berth.
Durham’s innings was anchored by Scott Borthwick’s maiden List A century (104), but a spirited fightback from Derbyshire’s bowlers, led by teenager Harry Moore (3-45), restricted the hosts to 253 all out.
Derbyshire’s chase got off to a promising start, with David Lloyd (63) and Harry Came (45) putting the visitors in a strong position. However, Ben Raine’s four-wicket haul gave Durham hope. Anuj Dal (25*) and Zak Chappell (22*) ultimately guided Derbyshire to victory with seven balls to spare.
The match began with Derbyshire electing to bowl first. Moore made an early impact, dismissing Alex Lees, while Dal removed Michael Jones. Borthwick and Colin Ackermann steadied the Durham innings, but Chappell broke the partnership with Ackermann’s wicket.
Borthwick reached his century, but Patel’s dismissal of the Durham captain left the hosts in trouble. Haydon Mustard’s cameo helped Durham recover, but they were eventually bowled out for 253.
Derbyshire’s chase started cautiously, but Came and Reece looked comfortable. Raine’s dismissal of Reece and Guest put Durham back in the game. Lloyd and Came rebuilt the innings, but Parkinson’s wickets of Came and Lloyd gave Durham hope.
Raine’s fourth wicket, Patel, left Derbyshire needing 46 runs to win. Chappell and Dal calmly guided the visitors home, securing a victory that ultimately proved insufficient to secure a quarter-final berth.
