Ravi Bopara starred with an unbeaten 84 as Northamptonshire Steelbacks edged a six-run victory over Derbyshire Falcons in a pulsating Vitality Blast encounter.
Despite Samit Patel’s brilliant 83, the hosts fell short of 195. Follow BRG365 for more cricket updates.
Bopara’s Blitzkrieg Rescues Northants
Northamptonshire appeared on the ropes at 24-3 inside five overs, but Bopara’s 46-ball 84 (5 sixes) turned the tide.
Partnering skipper David Willey (37), he steadied the innings with a 75-run stand before accelerating in the death overs.
Lewis McManus (29 off 17) added late fireworks, helping Northants post 194-6 after 20 overs.
The 38-year-old’s innings included a brutal 24-run final over against Zak Chappell, where he smashed three sixes and a boundary.
His unbeaten knock, combined with Willey’s power-hitting, transformed a precarious position into a defendable total.
Patel’s Fightback Falls Short
Derbyshire’s chase stumbled early at 33-3, but Patel (83 off 50) and Caleb Jewell (71 off 44) mounted a stirring comeback.
The pair added 114 runs for the fourth wicket, with Jewell’s six-hitting and Patel’s composure keeping the Falcons in contention.
Patel’s third six in the 17th over brought the equation down to 41 off 18 balls, but Northants’ death bowling held firm.
Spinner Luke Procter dismissed Jewell, and Ben Sanderson’s final over conceded just 15 runs, sealing Northants’ third consecutive win.
Patel’s unbeaten 83 included four sixes and nine fours, but his heroics weren’t enough to overcome Bopara’s masterclass.
Key Stats & Post-Match Impact
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Northants climbed to second in the North Group standings, trailing Lancashire on net run rate.
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Derbyshire remained seventh, winless in three matches.
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Bopara’s 84 was the highest score by a Northamptonshire batter in the 2025 Blast.
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Ghazanfar, making his Derby debut, claimed 2-30 but couldn’t contain Bopara’s late surge.
|
Player |
Team |
Runs (Balls) |
Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ravi Bopara |
Northamptonshire |
84 (46) |
5 |
|
Samit Patel |
Derbyshire |
83 (50) |
4 |
|
Caleb Jewell |
Derbyshire |
71 (44) |
3 |
|
Mohammad Ghazanfar |
Derbyshire |
2-30 (4) |
– |
Tactical Turning Points
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Northants’ recovery from 24-3 owed much to Bopara’s adaptability, switching from anchor to aggressor seamlessly.
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Derbyshire’s failure to dismiss Willey early proved costly, as the left-hander’s three sixes set the platform for Bopara’s onslaught.
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Patel’s decision to attack spinner Procter in the final overs nearly paid off, but ultimately fell short.
Veterans Steal the Spotlight
At 38, Bopara showcased why Northants signed him, blending experience with explosive power.
Patel, 39, demonstrated his enduring class with a match-winning knock that nearly defied the odds.
The battle of the old pros lived up to its billing, with Bopara’s innings edging Patel’s by a single run in the final analysis.
What’s Next?
Northamptonshire climbs to second in the North Group standings, remaining unbeaten after three matches. Next up, the Steelbacks face Lancashire Lightning, seeking to maintain momentum. Derbyshire Falcons must regroup before hosting Leicestershire Foxes. Both teams will look to build on a captivating encounter that showcased northamptonshire’s depth and resilience.
Also Read: Bopara inspires Northants, Foxes edge out Lightning
