In a rain-ruined Vitality Blast fixture at Banks Homes Riverside, Liam Livingstone provided the fireworks, launching Durham’s bowlers for 71 in just over four overs to lead Lancashire to an important seven-wicket win.
Having finally got underway after an extensive rain delay that saw the match reduced to a 10-over-a-side contest, Lancashire were tasked with chasing down a notional target of 129 runs to win. There was immense pressure on him, particularly as Kent had lost three games in a row and were sitting just above the bottom of the North Group table. But Livingstone responded with one of the great innings of the tournament.
The England all-rounder scored 85* off 31 balls, hitting eight sixes, and brought home victory for Lancashire with five balls to spare. That innings turned chase of total on head and also put Lankies back into contention to qualify for quarter – finals. It was also his second consecutive half-century in the tournament, emphasizing the excellent touch he has shown even if the rest of his team has faltered recently.
Durham had previously made a huge total of 128 for 2 having been put into bat. Graham Clark and Alex Lees provided the hosts with a perfect start in the shortened format. Lees had played a few flashy strokes to bring up 42 off 24 balls while Clark finished unbeaten on exactly 49 off just 29. Durham kept the runs coming at a good pace Deents aggressive approach helping against the run rate.
Lancashire, however, batted with impressive assurance in reply to the sizeable total. Despite losing captain Keaton Jennings in the first over, Livingstone soon took command of the game. He punished pace as well as spin, finding the boundaries far too easily and transferring the pressure back onto the home side.
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Also boosted by a 27 from Michael Jones in the late end of the chase, coming to an finish on only 16 balls yet before either had been defeated (much as likely) Livingstone had abandoned Lancashire set for triumph. A stunning assault on Kasey Aldridge, which included four back-to-back sixes, essentially secured the result and made an unlikely Durham fightback impossible.
The innings was of extra significance for Livingstone as he crossed on to the previous record of sixes hit by a Lancashire player in T20 cricket With his latest heroics not only endedver Lancashire’s losing streak but also re-ignited the Blast campaign.
This was Durham’s fourth loss in six games, leaving them needing to find a pot of form quickly if they are to revive their hopes of qualifying for the next stage.