Chris Lynn’s Record 117 Powers Northants to Quarter-Finals

Discover how Chris Lynn’s explosive century secured Northants a crucial Vitality Blast knockout spot.

Chris Lynn’s Stage is Set

Cricket fans know that a game under a bright light is always one that promises to deliver a whole lot of action. A cold evening in Cardiff saw Northamptonshire arrive to face Glamorgan with the two sides desperate to make a statement.

Northants were looking to bounce back straight away after the loss of their opening match, while Glamorgan were in a tight fight to make the knockout rounds. The scene was set for someone to seize the moment, but it seems they had no idea just how much opportunity had landed in their lap

Australians Know This Name

When you hear the name Chris Lynn, chances are you already have an image in your mind of a towering ball of fire launching another massive six over the stands.

The veteran opener has built a stellar career around his power hitting, racking up over 9000 runs in the T20 format internationally. However, it seemed this night held special significance for him, for when he walked out to the middle he looked as though he meant business.

Show Them What You’re Made Of

Lynn was right in the zone from the first over, his natural aggression showing as he absolutely thrashed the third delivery of the innings over the fence. His power was frightening, as was his tempo, and most frightening of all was his absolute willingness to hit the ball as far as he could at any given moment.

Glamorgan threw everything they had at him and for a moment it looked as though it might work, as their captain Asa Tribe came out at first drop. Instead, Lynn simply responded by sending three consecutive deliveries from the opener over the cover drive fence with frightening ease. It was a stunning display of shot-making which had the crowd roaring in delight.

That’s Not All He Was Made Of

As the innings wore on, it became clear that Lynn was having no mercy on the opposition attack. He was well on his way to making history, having notched up a staggering 117 from 56 balls. He simply launched the ball all over the place in a breathtaking batting display.

Yet for all his power hitting, Lynn was more than just a power hitter; he displayed great restraint in accelerating the innings at exactly the right time.

Lynn eventually made room for the next man in the batting order as Northamptonshire announced themselves as genuine contenders in this competition.

Chasing Down That Total

Lynn was the star performer for Northants, but he had plenty of help from the remainder of his teammates.

Calvin Harrison continued his phenomenal season with another stunning all-round display, his leg-spin being just as lethal as his batting throughout the match. The leg-spinner sent down some absolute gems of deliveries, reaping an astonishing haul of 3 for 20.

While Harrison was busy wreaking havoc at the other end, Lynn had simply annihilated Glamorgan’s bowling attack.

The visitors were left shell-shocked as he brought up a phenomenal 117 from just 56 balls before eventually walking off to a standing ovation. Northamptonshire had posted a mighty total of 217 for 7 from their 20 overs

That’s A Tough Total To Chase

At 217 all square, Glamorgan knew they faced an extremely difficult chase, especially with the early loss of wickets.

Kiran Carlson tried to kick on when he came out to face the third over with a stunning 6, but just one over later, the Steelbacks simply ran out Will Smale. It was a costly mistake and the chasing side simply never recovered from that point on.

It’s Getting Tougher To Score

Glamorgan’s required run rate simply skyrocketed with every over that passed, and it began to tell as the batters began to go for bigger shots. With every moment that passed, the pressure mounted and the chasing side eventually slumped to a disappointing 164 all out.

Setting Up The Knockout Showdown

Northamptonshire knew the importance of securing a top two spot in the group stages if they wanted a home semi-final. They needed just one more win from their final two matches to guarantee that position in the knockout rounds.

The Steelbacks did just that, with a mammoth 53-run victory sealing a home quarter-final for the county. They remain right on course for a spot in the final, with a huge match waiting for them ahead.