Jimmy Neesham delivered a stellar performance with both bat and ball as Durham defeated Northamptonshire Steelbacks by 15 runs in the Vitality Blast, ending the hosts’ impressive six-match winning run at Wantage Road.
Making a return to his former home ground, Neesham led Durhamβs resurgence after a mid-innings collapse. The New Zealand all-rounder smashed a crucial 50 off 34 balls to lift Durham from 77 for 5 to a defendable 157 for 8. He received support from Will Rhodes (27), with the pair stitching together a vital 36-run stand. Captain Alex Lees also added 29 runs at the top.
During the chase, Northamptonshire looked competitive thanks to Matt Breetzkeβs 41 off 36 and Justin Broadβs 30. However, Durhamβs spinners Callum Parkinson (2 for 16) and Nathan Sowter (1 for 12) bowled miserly spells, while Neesham returned in the death overs to claim 3 for 29, stifling any hopes of a late surge from the hosts. Northants ended at 142 for 8.
Neesham Fights Back After Top-Order Collapse
Durham struggled early against a disciplined Steelbacks attack, losing key wickets during and just after the powerplay. Graham Clark and Ollie Robinson fell early, followed by Colin Ackermann, Alex Lees, and Ben Raine within a span of six overs. Despite the pressure, Neesham kept the scoreboard ticking, launching late fireworks including three sixes in the final overs.
Reflecting on his performance, Neesham said,
“π°π ππππ ππππ ππ ππππππππππ ππππ ππππ πππ πππ ππππ πππ ππ. π»ππ ππππππππππ ππππ ππππππ ππππ ππππππππ, πππ π°βπ ππππ ππ ππππ π π πππππππππ πππ π«πππππ.”
In response, Northamptonshire began brightly, with Ricardo Vasconcelos hitting 23 off 15 and Breetzke targeting Neesham for a straight six and a square drive for four. But Parkinson’s tight spell saw the wickets of Willey and Breetzke, while Sowter added pressure by trapping Saif Zaib lbw.
Ravi Bopara briefly threatened to shift the game with a flurry of boundaries, but Neesham returned to dismiss him and Lewis McManus in quick succession. Broadβs six offered a late spark, but Neesham again stepped in to remove Ben Sanderson, sealing Durhamβs win and halting the Steelbacksβ winning streak.
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