Tom Moores described Notts Outlaws’ victory at neighbours Derbyshire Falcons as ‘massive’ in terms of their qualification hopes for the knock-out stages of the NatWest T20 Blast.
The visitors edged home by eight runs in a tense finale at the 3aaa County Ground as they restricted the Falcons to 181-7 in reply to Notts’ 189-4.
Wicket-keeper/batsman Moores played a pivotal part for the Outlaws as he scored 57 from 34 balls - his first half-century in this format.
Notts’ triumph means they move up to fourth in the North Group, but just one point off top spot with a game in hand.
“The group is pretty tight, so it’s a massive result for us to win away from home at Derbyshire and we’re chuffed to bits,” said Moores.
“I’m really pleased to get my first T20 half-century, but it’s even better with a win.
“The main thing is that we got over the line and the way the lads scrapped, with the death bowling at the end, was a fine fielding performance and a great team effort.
“The batting as well, with the sixes that DC (Dan Christian) hit at the end, was crucial and helped us get over the line.”
Riki Wessels scored 37, Dan Christian 30 not out and Samit Patel 29 not out to help build the Notts total on a pitch that offered some turn.
Jake Ball then took 3-33, Christian 2-17 and Harry Gurney bowled a superb over at the death to finish with 0-24 off his four overs.
Moores said: “I don’t think you ever think you’ve won until the very final ball. You are always trying to push hard until the very end.
“You can’t relax because of no-balls and wides, so you never take your foot off the gas until the end of the game and then there is a big sigh of relief and you are buzzing because you have won.”
The Outlaws are straight back into action tomorrow as they host the Durham Jets at Trent Bridge (2.30pm) and Moores is relishing the quick turnaround.
“T20 is a momentum game and, being at home tomorrow, hopefully we can put another show on in front of a good crowd.” he said.
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