LEICESTERSHIRE V YORKSHIRE TWENTY 20

Yorkshire’s opening game in the Twenty 20 Competition ended in defeat as they fell thirteen runs short of the target set by defending Champions Leicestershire. Despite the defeat there was enough encouragement in the performance to suggest that Yorkshire still have a good chance of making it to finals day.

Rain at Grace Road saw the game reduced to sixteen overs a side. Jeremy Snape won the toss for the home side and decided to bat. After a good opening over from Gillespie, Leicestershire took command. Henderson hit the ball to all parts before being well caught by Gilbert off Gillespie for a nine ball 17. The key innings for the Foxes came from Ackerman 31 (21 balls) and Allenby 43 (from 33 balls) they shared a partnership of 43. Paul Nixon made 23 (18 balls) and Sadler weighed in with 14 (7 balls) as Leicestershire totalled 154 for 5. Anthony McGrath (1-18) was the most economical bowler for Yorkshire going for only 18 in his three overs. Gillespie (1-36) and Bresnan (2 for 27) were next best going for nine an over each.

This was a testing target but looked well within Yorkshire’s reach as Craig White and Gerard Brophy put up an excellent opening partnership. White in particular, was severe on the Leicester bowlers. The score raced to 57 before White fell for a rapid 31 (14 balls, 5 fours and a six). McGrath then went first ball lbw to Masters. Brophy continued to play well and Younus Khan settled in, they took the score to 81 before Younus Khan was dismissed for 15. While Brophy remained Yorkshire had every chance but his fine innings came to an end on 92 when he was bowled by Henderson. Brophy made 44 (32 balls, 7 fours). The Foxes skipper then effectively clinched victory for the home side with a hatrick, he sent back Bresnan, Rudolph and Pyrah, taking 3 for 6 in the one over he bowled. Chris Gilbert tried to get Yorkshire back into the game and nearly did so with 22 (8 balls, 2 fours and 2 sixes) but it wasn’t quite enough and Yorkshire’s innings ended on 141 for 9.