Afridi’s heroics unable to prevent Lancashire from winning T20 Blast

Pakistan T20 skipper’s Northamptonshire side succumb to 13-run defeat in final

LONDON: Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi’s heroics were unable to prevent Lancashire cantering to a 13-run win over his side Northamptonshire in the final of English domestic cricket’s Twenty20 Blast tournament at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Australian all-rounder James Faulkner took 2-25, including both Northamptonshire openers David Willey and Richard Levi after failing with the bat, to be the star of the show in the second innings.

“[Faulkner has] a huge impact on the whole team. He’s been a pleasure to have around,” said Lancashire coach Ashley Giles. “His skills are undoubted and he loves these big occasions — he just steps up and gets on with it.”

Sent in to bat, Lancashire made 166-7 in their 20 overs, a total built on a 77-run opening stand between South Africa’s Ashwell Prince (43) and Alex Davies (47).

Pakistan star Shahid Afridi helped check Lancashire’s progress, with the veteran all-rounder taking a superb 3-14 in four overs.

Afridi, nicknamed ‘Boom Boom’ on account of his penchant for big-hitting, then also impressed with the bat after Faulkner’s strikes had left Northamptonshire with an uphill battle.

The 35-year-old struck a huge six and two fours, while another fierce hit straight back at Faulkner left the Australian needing to have his finger straightened out by a member of the Lancashire medical staff.

But Gavin Griffiths effectively ended Northamptonshire’s victory charge when he induced Afridi to hole out to Liam Livingstone in the deep on 26.

The semi-finals saw Lancashire dismiss Hampshire for 115 in a six-wicket win, while Northamptonshire beat Edgbaston-based Warwickshire by five wickets, with Levi making 63 not out as they chased down a target of 132. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31^st,  2015.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.