NCCA Counties

Norfolk edge Hertfordshire by three runs in thrilling T20 contest Hertfordshire fell agonisingly short of Norfolk's total as they were beaten by just three runs in a dramatic encounter in Game Two at Welwyn Garden City on Sunday. After electing to bat, Norfolk posted 181 for 5 from their 20 overs, with Benjamin Wilcox and Hamidullah Qadri leading the charge. Wilcox top-scored with 73 from 41 deliveries, striking five fours and four sixes, while Qadri provided crucial support with a fluent 47 from 35 balls. The pair shared a key partnership after Norfolk lost opener Sam Arthurton for 19. Alfie Cooper added 29 from 22 balls as Norfolk maintained the scoring rate throughout the innings, eventually reaching the same total they had managed in the opening game of the day. Hertfordshire's bowlers fought back well in the latter stages. Andrew Neal was particularly impressive, returning figures of 2 for 24 from his four overs, while Ben Waring also claimed two wickets. Dan Orchard chipped in with one wicket as the hosts prevented Norfolk from pushing beyond 200. Chasing 182, Hertfordshire suffered an early setback when S Galloway was dismissed in the second over, but Ed Hales responded with a brisk 18 from just seven deliveries to keep the required rate in check. The innings was then rebuilt superbly by Archie Harrison and Arjun Patel. Harrison produced a fine knock, striking 52 from 37 balls, including four fours and a six, while Patel contributed an equally important 49 from 40 deliveries. Their partnership put Hertfordshire firmly on course for victory. When Patel fell with the score on 125 in the 15th over, the game remained finely balanced. Harrison's dismissal shortly afterwards swung momentum back towards Norfolk, but Jacob Gordon continued the fight with an unbeaten 21. Andrew Neal added a quickfire 20 from 10 balls to leave Hertfordshire needing 24 from the final three overs. Despite late boundaries from Gordon and Jack Plom, Norfolk held their nerve in the closing stages. Hamidullah Qadri proved decisive with the ball as well as the bat, taking 3 for 36 from his four overs, including the crucial wickets of Harrison, Neal and Ben Clifford. Andy Hanby also made key breakthroughs, finishing with 3 for 34. Hertfordshire closed on 178 for 7 from their 20 overs, just three runs short of their target, as Norfolk completed a hard-fought double victory. Norfolk CCC NCCA T20 XI 181-5 (20 overs) Benjamin Wilcox 73, Hamidullah Qadri 47, Alfie Cooper 29; Andrew Neal 2-24, Ben Waring 2-33. Hertfordshire CCC NCCA T20 XI 178-7 (20 overs) Archie Harrison 52, Arjun Patel 49, Jacob Gordon 21*; Andy Hanby 3-34, Hamidullah Qadri 3-36. Result: Norfolk CCC NCCA T20 XI won by 3 runs.