Eagerly-anticipated matches had traditionally been limited to counties local to one another, but with introduction of Twenty20 cricket in 2003, new rivalries were born.

A high intensity game, coupled with further entertainment on and off the field, matches between any two sides in cricket's shortest format have gained extra importance.

Overseas signings have dominated matches in recent years, but in early seasons there was a greater focus on counties' stalwarts, and legends in their own making, to take the fore.

Notts Outlaws’ clash against Durham at Trent Bridge in 2004 is a perfect example.

The match saw David Hussey and Chris Read make their T20 debuts, while it was left to one of the Outlaws’ most consistent performers to finish the match.

Notts welcomed Durham to Trent Bridge for the first time in T20 cricket on 2 July 2004, winning the toss and inviting the visitors to bat first.

Andrew Harris and Mark Ealham immediately made inroads, dismissing Marcus North and Andrew Pratt respectively.

Gareth Clough’s 2-18 and some fine fielding helped rip through the middle order before Phil Mustard (61 off 46) was eighth out, Durham having only mustered 108.

The visitors eventually managed to post 120 all out from 19.4 overs, Richard Logan (2-7), in his last year with the club, finishing the innings off with a two-wicket burst.

The Outlaws’ reply got off to the worst possible start as Graham Onions removed Paul Franks and Jason Gallian, both for first ball ducks.

Kevin Pietersen went three runs better than Mustard with his knock from number three, smashing 67 from 48 balls as he was given useful support from Read (12) and Mark Ealham (15).

However, much like in Durham’s innings, the key man for the Outlaws fell to leave a nervy final few overs, Pietersen dismissed with the score on 106.

The stage was set for Samit Patel, the Outlaws all-rounder providing earlu glimpses of the match-winning talent that has become his hallmark

The right-hander, 19 at the time, held his nerve to hit an unbeaten 15, including two boundaries, as the Outlaws edged over the line to a three-wicket victory with five balls to spare.

Patel has produced with bat, ball and in the field time and time again over his 15-year Nottinghamshire career, scoring 2,712 runs in T20s in England, coming at a strike rate of 126.2.

Add to that 115 wickets at an average of 24.74 and a T20 economy rate of 7.24 and Patel has shown time and time again his prowess in the shortest format. 

And long may it continue, beginning with the latest meeting between the two sides at Trent Bridge on Friday night.

 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information

Vs. Durham Jets – Friday 1 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Worcestershire Rapids – Saturday 9 July 2.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Yorkshire Vikings – Friday 15 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 29 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Need more information? Call our ticket office on 0844 8118711.