In a thrilling contest at Derby, Kent emerged victorious by three wickets over Derbyshire in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup match. Jack Leaning’s unbeaten knock of 81 runs off 117 deliveries proved to be the game-changer as Kent chased down the target of 207, despite finding themselves in a precarious position at 106 for 6. Grant Stewart’s aggressive 48 off 39 balls also played a crucial role in the successful run chase.
The partnership between Leaning and Stewart revived Kent’s innings and put them back on track for victory. They added 33 runs in quick time before Leaning combined with Matt Parkinson to see Kent over the line with 28 balls to spare, finishing at 207 for 7.
On the other hand, Derbyshire had Brooke Guest to thank for their competitive total of 206, as he played a brilliant innings of 85 runs off 117 balls. Guest found support in Harry Moore, who contributed with a career-best 40, forming a vital eighth-wicket partnership of 75 runs.
Kent’s bowlers, led by Parkinson’s impressive spell of 3 for 23, put Derbyshire in a difficult position early on. George Garrett’s late movement troubled the batsmen, while Parkinson’s variations kept the pressure on the opposition.
Derbyshire suffered some soft dismissals, with Luis Reece getting run out due to a direct hit from cover, and David Lloyd falling to a return catch by Grant Stewart. Patel managed to hit the only six of the innings but fell to a slower ball from Parkinson soon after.
Guest’s fine innings came to an end when he pulled a delivery from Charlie Stobo to mid-wicket, while Moore was run out at the non-striker’s end by another direct hit from cover. The pressure was mounting on Kent as they lost two quick wickets, but Leaning’s composure and strokeplay guided them to victory.
Ekansh Singh and Stobo’s dismissals further dented Derbyshire’s hopes as Kent’s bowlers tightened the noose. In the end, it was a well-fought contest with Kent emerging as the deserving winners.
