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 through the tense remaining moments of the Metro Financial institution One Day Cup 2024 match at Northampton.
Early struggles and important contribution
Iyer’s preliminary appearances for Lancashire had been underwhelming, marked by wicketless bowling and modest batting returns. Within the recreation towards 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 through 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 activity fraught with stress. His first two deliveries had been pricey, yielding seven runs with a few wides and a boundary. This shaky begin might have derailed the crew’s plans, however Iyer’s resilience shone by way of.
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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 drive 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 a significant breakthrough.
Right here’s the video:
☝️🇮🇳 @venkateshiyer
12 to defend within the remaining over – Inexperienced to bowl it…
🌹 #RedRoseTogether https://t.co/RTmASJ2DBN pic.twitter.com/h843M9QDBc
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) August 11, 2024
Completion and Lancashire’s victory
Iyer concluded his over by limiting 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 remaining 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 major turnaround in his efficiency for the crew.