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BIRMINGHAM, Aug 4: Craig Spearman chose the ideal time to make amends for a meagre Twenty20 season with a match-winning 55-ball 86 against Lancashire to put Gloucestershire into the final on Saturday.
An impressive fielding display kept Lancashire to 148 for 6 as Gloucestershire produced two vital run-outs, including Andrew Flintoff for 3.
Gloucestershire produced the brand of cricket that made them a one-day powerhouse under Mark Alleyne and John Bracewell. Crucially they came out on top during the six-over fielding restriction periods, which play such a vital part in Twenty20, and Spearman expertly showed how to exploit the early overs.
Before this match Spearman was averaging 7.85 in this season’s tournament, however, was quickly into his stride as 23 came off James Anderson’s second over. Kadeer Ali (33 not out) played his part in a second-wicket century stand with Spearman that came off just 67 balls.
Earlier, a tight new-ball spell by Jon Lewis kept Lancashire in check.
Summarised scores:
LANCASHIRE 148-6 in 20 overs (S.J. Croft 33, B.J. Hodge 32; MA Hardinges 2-16; Jon Lewis 1-16); GLOUCESTERSHIRE 152-2 in 16.5 overs (C.M. Spearman 86, Kadeer 33 not out; M. Muralitharan 1-21).—Agencies
