Anderson Shines in T20 Comeback as Lancashire Edge Durham in Thriller

Anderson Shines in T20 Comeback as Lancashire Edge Durham in Thriller

James Anderson rolled back the years with a vintage performance in his first T20 appearance in over a decade, leading Lancashire to a thrilling four-wicket win over Durham in the Vitality Blast at Chester-le-Street.

The 42-year-old seamer, making his first T20 appearance since August 2014, claimed exceptional figures of 3 for 17 from four overs, helping restrict Durham to 150 for 6. Lancashire chased down the target off the final ball to register their third consecutive win in the 2025 campaign.

Anderson’s return was nothing short of sensational, relying on classic seam bowling fundamentals rather than modern white-ball trickery. He struck early, removing openers Graham Clark (10) and Alex Lees (16) during a miserly three-over new-ball spell that went for just 15 runs. He returned later to dismiss Colin Ackermann (18), tightening Lancashire’s grip on the game.

Durham’s innings never fully recovered from a sluggish powerplay, reaching just 39 for 2. A late flourish from Jimmy Neesham, who remained unbeaten on 40 off 25 balls, and Ben Raine’s 29 lifted the hosts to a modest 150, but the total never looked enough—despite a late twist.

Lancashire's chase started shakily at 23 for 2, with Zak Foulkes and Neesham removing Luke Wells and Matty Hurst respectively. The innings found rhythm through former Durham batter Michael Jones, whose composed 55 off 39 balls anchored the innings. Jones, who struck a memorable six off Nathan Sowter that shattered a car window in the Lumley End car park, reached his half-century in 35 balls before being bowled by Raine.

The chase tightened in the final overs. With 45 required from the last five overs, Chris Green’s six off Foulkes tilted the momentum. Although Neesham struck back by dismissing Josh Bohannon (31) in the final over, Jack Blatherwick’s scrambled single off the last ball secured victory.

Lancashire finished on 151 for 6, keeping their 100% record intact, while Durham suffered their first defeat of the campaign.

Brief Scores:
Durham 150/6 (Neesham 40, Anderson 3-17)*
Lancashire 151/6 (Jones 55, Neesham 2-31)
Lancashire won by four wickets

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