That’s a wrap from our side as well. We appreciate your participation from all across the world. On behalf of my co-commentator Prince Suman and Scorer/Analyst Paras Yadav, I, Deepak Prakash, am signing off. Please join us for the other fixtures across the world. CHEERS!
1:48 AM IST | Deepak: In the air annnnnnnd Matthew Critchley finishes things in style. Essex Eagles bounced back stronger from their earlier setbacks and ended up as a victorious side. Thanks to Matthew Critchley, who played with authority and notched an unbeaten half-century, helping his side win this game comprehensively. How can we forget the star who wreaked havoc with the ball, Sam Cook, without him, it was impossible for the Eagles to restrict Kent at 150 runs.
Earlier, after deciding to bat first, Kent posted 150 runs in their allotted 20 overs. They were reeling at 35/4 in the fifth over, when Sam Cook wreaked havoc with the ball, taking three back-to-back wickets. However, Joe Denly (39) played with authority and rescued the sinking ship. Grant Stewart delivered an exhilarating performance towards the end of the innings, igniting the atmosphere with his electrifying inning of 37 off just 16 deliveries, ultimately propelling his team to touch the 150-run mark.
In pursuit of Kent’s 150 runs, Essex started their innings in a similar fashion to Kent, as the Eagles too faced a mini collapse and lost 4 wickets in the powerplay. However, they kept scoring at a rapid pace and posted 53 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the powerplay.
Paul Walter and Matthew Critchley were looking in sublime form, and they managed to steady the ship. However, when things looked easy for the Eagles, Stewart trapped Walter for 27 runs and ceased the budding partnership. However, Critchley proved his mettle with the bat and notched an unbeaten half-century, helping his side win by 4 wickets with 10 balls to spare.
From the bowling front, Michael Hogan bagged a couple of wickets for Kent, while the rest bowlers contributed one wicket.
18.2 J Denly to M Critchley
6 That's it!! With the six, Essex win the game by 4 wickets!! Back of the length ball on the middle and leg stump line. Critchley hangs back and smashes it over the mid-wicket as the ball sails into the stand for a six.
18.1 J Denly to M Critchley
0 Back of the length ball on leg pole and Critchley looks to pull it but gets it on the pad that rolls to short fine leg for none.