Neighbours Produce Remarkable Tie

It all ended in stalemate, though the cricket was far from stale, mate, as Lancashire and Yorkshire contrived to generously share the spoils in their latest Twenty20 outing. It is a case of glass half full, glass half empty for both counties. In truth, this high-scoring draw suits neither county as they scarcely can afford to drop any more points, but at least they both 'succeeded' in not losing to one another!

Poor Yorkshire were cruelly required to bat first again. The enigma that is Phil Jaques then stepped up to the plate and delivered a fine knock of 66. This ought to have been a match-winning contribution, while Richard Pyrah deserves a round of applause for his bowling contribution, but the Vikings' cause was undone by the buffet bowling 'efforts' of Brooks and Rafiq. In the event, the red rose earned/sneaked a draw. Delete as appropriate. Unless there is a dramatic transformation, both counties will appropriately be deleted from this season's competition as they are both doing an excellent impersonation of also-rans, presumably much to the delight of Derbyshire and Durham. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

YORKSHIRE versus Lancashire; at Headingley; Friday 5th July 2013; Lancashire won the toss.

YORKSHIRE: 152 for 6 (20 overs)

Gale c Cross b Smith 18 (32-1)

Jaques not out 66

Hodgson c Katich b Parry 13 (59-2)

Rashid lbw b Lilley 16 (89-3)

Ballance c Brown b Croft 11 (108-4)

Plunkett c Croft b Ali 12 (123-5)

Pyrah run out 4 (148-6)

Hodd not out 4

Extras: 8

LANCASHIRE: 152 for 5 (20 overs)

Moore c Ballance b Plunkett 12 (46-1)

Smith c Plunkett b Pyrah 35 (48-2)

Brown b Pyrah 25 (97-4)

Katich b Pyrah 18 (92-3)

Croft not out 42

Cross b Plunkett 8 (118-5)

Ali not out 8

Extras: 4

Pyrah 3-15

Match tied.