Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, enduring a difficult begin to his stint with Lancashire, stepped up considerably of their thrilling four-run victory over Northamptonshire on Sunday (August 11). His efficiency was notably essential throughout the tense last moments of the Metro Financial institution One Day Cup 2024 match at Northampton.
Early struggles and very important contribution
Iyer’s preliminary appearances for Lancashire had been underwhelming, marked by wicketless bowling and modest batting returns. Within the recreation in opposition to Northamptonshire, he managed simply 15 runs from 17 balls as a middle-order batter. Nonetheless, it was his bowling that turned the tide in Lancashire’s favor throughout the match’s climax.
Crucial penultimate over
Chasing a formidable goal of 241, Northamptonshire wanted 21 runs from the ultimate two overs with 4 wickets remaining. Iyer was handed the duty of bowling the penultimate over, a process fraught with strain. His first two deliveries have been expensive, yielding seven runs with a few wides and a boundary. This shaky begin might have derailed the staff’s plans, however Iyer’s resilience shone by way of.
Additionally READ: Graham Thorpe’s spouse Amanda reveals of former England cricketer taking his personal life
Key wicket of Ricardo Vasconcelos
The essential second got here on the fourth ball of Iyer’s over, when he dismissed Ricardo Vasconcelos. Iyer, bowling from across the wicket, aimed a brief supply into the physique of the left-handed Vasconcelos. The intent was clear; to cramp the batter for room and power a misjudgment. Vasconcelos tried to play an expansive shot, shuffling to his proper to create house. He aimed to loft the ball over cowl however failed to attach cleanly. As a substitute, his shot skewed excessive and vast, the place the long-off fielder comfortably caught the ball, securing an important breakthrough.
Right here’s the video:
☝️🇮🇳 @venkateshiyer
12 to defend within the last over – Inexperienced to bowl it…
🌹 #RedRoseTogether https://t.co/RTmASJ2DBN pic.twitter.com/h843M9QDBc
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) August 11, 2024
Of completion and Lancashire’s victory
Iyer concluded his over by proscribing Northamptonshire to only one run from the ultimate two balls, ending with figures of 1/40 from his eight overs. This tight end set the stage for Chris Inexperienced, who delivered a exceptional last over to defend the remaining 12 runs, sealing a hard-fought 4 runs victory for Lancashire. Iyer’s essential over and key wicket performed a decisive function in Lancashire’s success, marking a big turnaround in his efficiency for the staff.