Matt Milnes’ Last-Over Heroics Seal Thrilling Win for Yorkshire Over Leicestershire

Yorkshire ended their Vitality Blast campaign on a high with a dramatic two-wicket victory over Leicestershire Foxes at the Uptonsteel County Ground, ensuring they avoided the North Group wooden spoon in the process.

In a pulsating finish, Yorkshire needed 13 runs from the final over. The odds tilted in Leicestershire’s favour when Jordan Thompson was run out with three balls remaining and 11 still required. However, Matt Milnes emerged as the unlikely hero, smashing Josh Hull for back-to-back sixes to snatch a stunning win from the jaws of defeat.

Leicestershire, needing a win to keep their slim quarter-final hopes alive, posted 185 before being bowled out in 18.5 overs. After strong contributions from Rehan Ahmed (43 off 29 balls) and Ben Cox (43 off 27), the Foxes collapsed, losing their final six wickets for just 24 runs. Milnes (3 for 37) and Will Sutherland (3 for 20) were instrumental in restricting the total, while Thompson claimed his 99th Blast wicket for Yorkshire.

Despite a competitive total, Leicestershire’s effort was undermined by an underwhelming finish — failing to use up seven full deliveries and leaving crucial runs on the field.

Yorkshire’s reply started in tatters as they slumped to 23 for 4 during the powerplay. Logan van Beek (3 for 35) and Ian Holland (2 for 19) ripped through the top order, aided by sharp fielding and three catches by Rehan Ahmed.

However, a record fifth-wicket partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Matthew Revis turned the game on its head. The pair added 122 runs to resuscitate the innings. Shafique blazed 64 off 38 balls, including four sixes, while Revis struck 52 off 32 with three maximums of his own.

Their stand was broken under controversial circumstances when Shafique was seemingly caught behind square off van Beek, though replays showed the ball had deflected off his helmet. He was eventually bowled by Rehan in the next over. Revis followed soon after, miscuing Hull to short fine-leg, leaving Yorkshire still needing 35 from the last 17 deliveries.

Crucial late blows from Sutherland and Thompson, including a 17-run penultimate over from van Beek, brought the target within reach.

Then came Milnes’ moment of magic — a six over wide midwicket followed by a cheeky scoop for six more off the final delivery — sealing a memorable win and condemning Leicestershire to a mid-table finish, with their quarter-final dreams dashed by concurrent wins for Birmingham Bears and Durham.

Though Yorkshire’s season ends in disappointment, the resilience shown in this final game — especially from Shafique, Revis, and Milnes — offers some solace to their supporters and a foundation to build on.

Match Summary:

Leicestershire Foxes: 185 all out in 18.5 overs (Rehan Ahmed 43, Ben Cox 43; Sutherland 3-20, Milnes 3-37)
Yorkshire: 188 for 8 in 20 overs (Abdullah Shafique 64, Matthew Revis 52; van Beek 3-35, Holland 2-19)
Result: Yorkshire won by 2 wickets
Venue: Uptonsteel County Ground, July 17, 2025
Player of the Match: Matt Milnes (Yorkshire)