Buttler, Anderson Lead Lancashire to Roses Victory and Quarter-Final Berth

Jos Buttler and James Anderson rolled back the years to deliver a statement Roses victory for Lancashire Lightning, securing a 21-run win over rivals Yorkshire at Headingley and sealing a top-two finish in the Vitality Blast North Group.

Buttler, with a masterful 77 off 46 balls, became only the second Englishman to surpass 13,000 T20 career runs, while Anderson claimed 3 for 25 in a vintage spell that dismantled Yorkshire’s chase of 175.

With Nottinghamshire losing to Worcestershire earlier in the day, Lancashire’s quarter-final place was already assured. But this win — their ninth in 13 games — broke a run of three straight Roses defeats and guarantees a home tie in the September knockout stage.

Buttler Steals the Show with Milestone Knock

Batting at No.3, Buttler delivered his best innings of the Blast season, striking eight fours and three sixes on a challenging Headingley pitch. After Keaton Jennings (42) and Phil Salt gave Lancashire a brisk start, Buttler’s aggressive intent through the middle overs carried the visitors to a competitive 174 all out.

He brought up his third fifty in six innings from just 26 balls, surpassing the 13,000 T20 run mark with a towering six off Dom Bess — joining Alex Hales as the only other English batter to reach the milestone.

However, Yorkshire chipped away with regular wickets, with Jafer Chohan (2 for 19), Matt Milnes (2 for 30), and Will Sutherland (1 for 27) keeping the score in check. Despite Buttler’s fireworks, the Red Rose fell short of the 200-plus scores that have dominated at Headingley this season. Buttler was eventually run out, one of three wickets to fall in Jordan Thompson’s final over.

Anderson, Green Break Yorkshire Resistance

In reply, Yorkshire faltered early. Luke Wood bowled Jonny Bairstow for 5, and Anderson removed Will Luxton and Dawid Malan in quick succession. At 66 for 4 in the eighth over, Yorkshire were reeling.

Pakistani star Abdullah Shafique fought back with a fluent 54 off 34 balls, sharing a vital stand of 66 with Sutherland (28), which gave Yorkshire hope at 132 for 5, needing just 43 more from 33 balls.

But once again, Anderson turned the game. Shafique’s pull found deep square leg, and Green (3 for 27) dismissed Thompson and Milnes in quick succession to regain control. Tom Aspinwall then removed Sutherland and Milnes in back-to-back balls to all but end Yorkshire’s chase at 151 for 9.

Jack Blatherwick sealed the victory in the final over, having Chohan caught with the first delivery.

What It Means

Lancashire finish the group stage with momentum and will host their quarter-final at Old Trafford. For Yorkshire, already eliminated, this was a ninth loss in 13 matches and a bitter end to their campaign.

With Buttler in vintage form and Anderson still weaving his magic, Lancashire will head into the knockouts as one of the tournament’s most balanced and dangerous sides.