da doce： Nottinghamshire’s Benson & Hedges campaign sufferedits first setback when former Trent Bridge favouriteMathew Dowman guided Derbyshire to their first groupvictory
Nigel Gardner06-May-2001Nottinghamshire’s Benson & Hedges campaign sufferedits first setback when former Trent Bridge favouriteMathew Dowman guided Derbyshire to their first groupvictory.The left-hander scored an unbeaten 75 from 96 balls asDerbyshire survived a late scare to get home by sixwickets with four balls to spare.Nottinghamshire’s total of 231-5 looked a good one ona slow pitch but Rob Bailey and Michael Di Venuto gaveDerbyshire an excellent start before Dowman tookcharge.He settled an absorbing contest by flicking GarethClough for six over deep square leg and then pickinghim up for another boundary to end a run of threedefeats in the Northern Group.Notts still go through to the quarter-finals but their 100 per cent record was shattered by the player they released at the end of the 1999 season.Derbyshire skipper Dominic Cork said: “This was allabout Mathew Dowman. I am absolutely delighted forhim.”He took responsibility and control and obviouslystill feels he has a point or two to make to one ortwo people at Trent Bridge.”Notts seemed set for a fourth victory as all theirbatsmen chipped in after Derbyshire had won the tosson a bright but cool day.Usman Afzaal top-scored with 50 but Kevin Pietersengave the innings a final flourish with an unbeaten 35from 29 balls.Bailey and Dowman put the home side firmly on courseuntil a brilliant diving catch by Guy Welton sent backBailey and Derbyshire wobbled when Cork was bowled fora duck but Dowman held his nerve to win the day.