Ferocious Finch Foils Lancashire Lightning

Yorkshire CCC had high hopes that the acquisition of ace Australian batsman Aaron Finch would take the Vikings' Twenty20 efforts on to a higher level, and so far the illustrious import has not disappointed. The Tykes have successfully negotiated two run chases since the Aussie maestro jumped on board the Viking longship.

Admittedly the target imposed by the impressive Lancashire Lightning was indeed much more imposing than Derbyshire's puny attempt last Friday. With a required run rate of nine runs per over, it was always going to need a slogging specialist of the stature of Finch or perhaps Bairstow to ensure that the reply was competitive. So it came to pass, after inadequate Andrew Gale again flopped as a hopelessly miscast opening batsman. In the event, Finch bludgeoned the visitors towards an unlikely victory with an eye-catching innings of 88 runs. Earlier Horton and Smith had done their belligerent best to blast the match out of the away team's reach. Unfortunately for the latter, Brooks and Pyrah were whipped to the tune of 66 runs off five forgettable overs. It took more controlled bowling from the improving Rashid, ably assisted by Bresnan, Rafiq, Robinson, and the criminally under-used Adam Lyth.

Well, with two consecutive triumphs, the Vikings can begin to entertain hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage, especially if Mr Finch spends a prolonged time at the crease.

Lancashire Lightning versus YORKSHIRE VIKINGS; at Manchester; Friday June 6th; Lancashire Lightning won the toss.

Lancashire Lightning: 179 for 6 (Horton 60, Smith 55)

YORKSHIRE VIKINGS: 180 for 5 off 19.3 overs (Finch 88)

YORKSHIRE VIKINGS won by five wickets. Lancashire Lightning 0 points, YORKSHIRE VIKINGS 2 points.