A Drama-Filled Fixture | Leicestershire's Top T20 Moments Versus The Vikings

As the Foxes prepare to lock horns with the Vikings for a brutal opening T20 battle on Friday, we take a look back at five of the most dramatic moments in the contest’s history.

FINAL BALL DRAMA:

Starting us off, a true mic drop moment from Ben Mike in 2020. Chasing 189 at Uptonsteel County Ground, the Foxes required nine runs to win from the final over.

After dispatching David Willey onto the roof of the Geary Bar in the previous over, Mike was looking dangerous. The Vikings made an interesting call, throwing the ball to part-time spinner Adam Lyth, but with no boundary from the first five balls of the over, it looked a good decision.

With three runs needed from the final delivery Mike flexed his muscles - smashing a gigantic six down the ground to seal a three-wicket win and record one of the most iconic moments in the fixture’s recent memory.

SUPER SNAPE:

A hat-trick is a very rare feat in T20 cricket, with only two taken in Leicestershire’s 21-year history in the format. The fourth player in English T20 cricket - and the first Fox - to take one, Jeremy Snape.

Rewind to June 2007, in a rain-affected clash at Grace Road against the Vikings. Defending 154 from 16 overs, Yorkshire’s openers made the target look vulnerable with a stand of 57. With the score on 97, skipper Snape introduced himself into the attack and wrote his name into the record books for the reigning champions.

With his trademark ‘moonballs’, Snape removed Tim Bresnan and Jacques Rudolph in successive deliveries, before taking a caught and bowled chance off Richard Pyrah to complete the hat-trick. Only one player, Jim Allenby, has taken one for the Club since.

MADDY MADNESS:

Scoring a hundred in T20 cricket is also a remarkable achievement “ with only eight Leicestershire players tonning up in the history of the format. The first, Foxes legend Darren Maddy.

At Headingley in July 2004, Maddy helped Leicestershire on their way to a maiden T20 trophy with a stunning century. Opening the batting, the all-rounder smashed 111 from 60 balls, including eight fours and two sixes - to set Yorkshire an imposing total of 222 to win.

The Foxes were triumphant by 10 runs, but the match will forever be remembered for Maddy’s clinical display of brutish batting.

HODGE HEROICS:

Rewinding all the way back to Leicestershire’s first-ever Blast fixture, 16 June 2003, as the Foxes took on the Vikings at Grace Road “ a match which duly announced T20 cricket’s arrival in style.

The format was unknown, but it was about to become an instant success in Leicester as fan-favourite Brad Hodge took centre stage with bat and ball.

Batting at number three, the Australian international powered a venomous 97 off just 61 balls “ including five maximums “ before taking three wickets in the final over of the match “ to guide his side to victory by 16 runs.

TENSE TIE:

Ties aren’t a common occurrence in T20 cricket either “ Leicestershire have only had three, in fact. But in June 2015, Ben Raine struck with the final ball of the match to secure a dramatic point against the Vikings.

Needing just five to win from the last over, Yorkshire were firm favourites “ especially with Jack Leaning unbeaten on 46. With only four singles taken from the opening five balls, Adil Rashid was left requiring one run to take the points back north.

Step forward, Ben Raine, who went full and straight, as the ball thundered into Rashid’s pads. A vociferous appeal was put forward by every Foxes player and fan alike at Grace Road, with the umpire’s raised finger sparking pandemonium on the pitch and in the stands.

Don't miss 2024's drama against the Vikings. Buy tickets HERE.