Arav Shetty Stars as Lancashire Stun Nottinghamshire

Arav Shetty’s maiden fifty and three wickets sink Nottinghamshire.

Shetty Steals Show

Arav Shetty delivered a special all-round performance, as Lancashire recorded a 31-run victory over Nottinghamshire at the AO Farington Cricket Ground. The win came on the back of a first home win for the Red Rose county, as well as a first loss of the One-Day Cup campaign for the previously unbeaten Outlaws.

Middle Order Wobbles

Lancashire’s innings got off to a concerning start, as opener Farhan Ahmed and the Notts spinners kept the scoring to a minimum. Joe Moores and Shetty steadied the ship, guiding Lancashire to 38 before Moores was stumped by Ben Martindale at extra cover, trying to flick a short delivery from Liam Patterson-White

Shetty Takes Charge

With George Balderson also falling cheaply, Lancashire were staring down the barrel of a 155 all out at 155 for 7 with ten overs remaining. Shetty accelerated the scoring from there, hitting Patterson-White for a six over extra cover, and a well-timed six for his first professional half-century in 53 balls got him to a composed 53

Late Order Rallies

Shetty was eventually caught at cover, but Jack Blatherwick and Tom Bailey put on 37 in the final nine deliveries for the ninth wicket, before both fell in the final over. The late surge gave Lancashire a defendable 220 all out.

Notts Start Well

Nottinghamshire were off to a steady start in their chase before opener FreddieMcCann fell early after edging behind. Ben Martindale and George Munsey steadied the innings, putting on 52 for the second wicket, before Shetty got his first wicket of the innings when Martindale was lbw to a straight delivery

Shetty Strikes Again

Shetty struck again when Munsey attempted a reverse sweep, falling for 37. George Balderson also took a wicket, removing Haseeb Hameed with a low full toss

Verreynne Threatens Comeback

With the run-rate slowing, it seemed as though Lancashire had turned the game back in their favour, with Kyle Verreynne and Liam Patterson-White helping to propel Nottinghamshire to 130 before the required rate began to climb with the loss of another wicket.

Blatherwick Ends Resistance

That’s where Jack Blatherwick came in. Returning to his old county for the first time since joining Lancashire in 2021, he cleaned up the tail-end to record a career best 4-30, as Nottinghamshire were bowled out for 189 with a game to spare.

Table Reshuffles Top

Lancashire have now recorded a vital victory over the top-of-the-table One-Day Invitational outfit, with the win seeing the Red Rose move up the Group A table. Meanwhile, Notts find themselves with their first loss of the competition.

Shetty’s Stock Rises

Shetty, meanwhile, has earned an opportunity to cement his spot in the first team with an all-round display. A maiden half-century in his first competitive fifty for the county, followed by a trio of prized scalps, including both openers to fall, is the sort of display that can turn a fringe player into a first-team regular.

Lancashire will be hoping he can produce more displays like today if they are to push on from an excellent opening week.