Lancashire advance to T20 Blast semi-final courtesy of Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone proves to be the difference maker as the Englishman’s stellar all-round display guides Lancashire to victory over Kent.
The 32-year-old’s batting and bowling prowess were on full display as Lancashire won by three wickets in the quarter-final of the T20 Blast.
Having bowled Kent out for 153, Lancashire’s chase was spearheaded by Livingstone’s 85 not out, off 45 balls, with multiple fours and seven sixes contributing to his innings.
Livingstone’s bowling was efficient as well. In four overs, he notched two wickets, giving away 21 runs, attaining an economy of 5.25, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Speaking after the game, Livingstone said:
“That was just a very enjoyable afternoon to be honest.
“It’s always nice to be able to contribute to a team winning, especially at such a crucial stage of the tournament.
“I feel like the cricket that we’ve played over the last however many months this tournament goes on for, to deserve to go to finals day.
“This sometimes is the hardest hurdle to get over because it’s a one-off match and we’ve played 14 games to get here.
“It’s just nice to be able to contribute to the team when it really matters to them.”
The star all-rounder was key to Lancashire’s victory in front of a 12,000-plus crowd as they set up a Finals day appearance.
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Match recap
Having won the toss and deciding to bat first, Kent got off to the worst possible start. They lost opener Tawanda Muyeye on the very first ball, caught by Livingstone off Luke Wood.
Their innings never really got the momentum they needed as they failed to stitch any meaningful partnership. Their innings came to an abrupt halt at 153, as they were bowled out.
In response, the Lancs found themselves struggling at 3 down for 42 at the end of the power play.
Livingstone’s presence proved to be the difference maker. When the onslaught culminated, he lifted the total to 84 for three, providing them some breathing room.
Livingstone, on 15, top-edged a pull into the back of his neck and underwent a concussion check but carried on to guide his team to victory.
Ten years on from their last Vitality Blast title, the Lancs are back on track for their second, helped immensely by the only remaining member of their first and only success.
Lancashire will play Somerset or Birmingham Bears in the semi-final at Edgbaston next Saturday.
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