12 Jul, 2025 | 06:34 AM
A thrilling knock of 93 runs from South African Matthew Breetzke fired Northamptonshire Steelbacks to a crucial 13-run victory over bottom-placed Derbyshire Falcons in the Vitality Blast, breathing new life into the Steelbacks' qualification hopes after a mid-tournament slump.
Returning from international Test duty with South Africa, Breetzke showed little sign of rust, bludgeoning 93 runs off just 45 balls. His blistering innings — which included nine fours and five sixes — came as part of an explosive 125-run partnership with skipper David Willey, who made a steady 53 off 33 balls. Together, the pair powered Northamptonshire to an imposing total of 237/4, equaling their highest-ever T20 score.
In response, Derbyshire's chase was off to a flying start, with Aneurin Donald leading the charge. His 71 runs off just 22 balls, featuring eight fours and six sixes, propelled the Falcons to 112/0 in just 7.4 overs, in what looked like a potential record-breaking chase. Caleb Jewell supported well, contributing 39 runs, but it was the introduction of Australian leg-spinner Lloyd Pope that turned the game in Northamptonshire's favour. Pope removed both Donald and Jewell in quick succession, effectively halting Derbyshire's momentum.
Derbyshire's response continued to falter, with George Scrimshaw also striking twice in his second over to further stall the chase. Despite valiant efforts from Wayne Masden (29) and Harry Came (35*), the Falcons ultimately fell short, finishing on 224/6, 13 runs shy of their target.
The match saw the highest aggregate total between these two teams in T20 cricket, with both sides collectively posting 461 runs.
Breetzke Sets the Tone
After Derbyshire won the toss and opted to bowl first, Northamptonshire lost Ricardo Vasconcelos early to a ball from Allah Ghazanfar, but Breetzke immediately put his mark on the game. He pulled Aitchison for a six and then hammered three consecutive boundaries off Zak Chappell, taking the Steelbacks to 51/1 after the powerplay.
Breetzke’s rapid half-century came off just 24 balls, with an array of boundaries that left Derbyshire struggling for answers. Willey joined in the fun, launching a pair of sixes off Samit Patel and helping take the partnership to 100 in the tenth over. Breetzke continued to put the pressure on, bringing up 100 runs off just 54 balls with his sixth six of the innings.
The Steelbacks accelerated through the middle overs, with Saif Zaib also joining the assault. Zaib’s quick-fire 53* from just 20 balls included three fours and four sixes, taking Northamptonshire to their total of 237/4. Breetzke eventually fell to Aitchison, caught behind, but by then, the damage had been done.
Derbyshire's Explosive Chase Falls Short
In reply, Derbyshire needed a fast start, and they got exactly that. Donald’s aggressive batting, including five boundaries off Willey’s first over, put the Falcons on course for a record chase. The powerplay ended with Derbyshire at 85/0, and Donald reached his half-century in just 19 balls.
However, the turning point came when Pope struck with his leg-spin, removing both Donald and Jewell in the same over. Scrimshaw then broke through with two quick wickets, further crippling Derbyshire’s chase.
Despite the best efforts of Masden and Came, the required run rate climbed steadily. Came’s unbeaten 35 was a highlight, but with Derbyshire needing 24 off the final over, Northamptonshire’s bowlers held their nerve. McManus, who had missed a chance to dismiss Donald earlier, made no mistake in the final over, holding onto a skier off Procter’s bowling to seal the win for Northamptonshire.
Steelbacks Bounce Back
The victory was a vital one for Northamptonshire, who had suffered five consecutive defeats following an impressive six-match winning streak at the start of the competition. With this win, they move back into the race for qualification, having set a benchmark performance with both the bat and ball.
This encounter, marked by heavy hitting and quick wickets, was the highest aggregate score ever recorded between these two sides in T20 cricket, proving once again the excitement and unpredictability that the Vitality Blast brings to the table.
Key Statistics:
Matthew Breetzke: 93 off 45 balls (9 fours, 5 sixes)
David Willey: 53 off 33 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes)
Saif Zaib: 53* off 20 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes)
Aneurin Donald: 71 off 22 balls (8 fours, 6 sixes)
Lloyd Pope: 2 wickets for 25 runs
George Scrimshaw: 2 wickets for 41 runs
