Durham Drama | Five Unforgettable T20 Moments

From record-breaking runs to introducing superstars to the stage, Leicestershire’s T20 meetings with Durham have always produced remarkable moments. Let’s take a look back at some of the most iconic…

RAPID RONCHI:

Starting us off, a record-shattering knock from New Zealand star Luke Ronchi. On a very damp day in July 2017, the Kiwi shone brightest “ whacking the Foxes’ fastest-ever fifty from just 16 balls!

A rain-affected game reduced to seven overs aside at Grace Road, the opener took just 14 minutes to reach his half-century. The opener pummelled James Weighell for six boundaries in an over as he cantered to 63 not out off just 21 balls (10x4, 3x6), setting Durham 89 to win.

It was part of a highly successful summer with Leicestershire for Ronchi, who ended with 429 runs at an average of 33. Most impressively, the wicketkeeper-batter boasted a strike rate of 180.25 in that campaign “ a record nobody has topped since.

A STAR IS BORN:

Rehan Ahmed has a habit of stealing the headlines on debut. A 16-year-old when he made his first Foxes foray, the youngest player to take five wickets on his Test bow, and in the middle of those: an instant star on T20 debut.

2022’s Blast opener saw Rehan thrown the ball at the end of the Powerplay. Showing the confidence of a seasoned campaigner, the Academy graduate wasted no time in announcing himself to the world of T20 cricket, having the dangerous David Bedingham caught and bowled with his maiden delivery in the format.

Mobbed by his teammates in celebration, the youngster had instantly stamped his authority on the Blast. He ended with figures of 4-0-22-2, while two enormous sixes led him to a quickfire 18 too.

The leggie’s debut campaign saw him pick up 19 wickets, with Rehan’s deceptive googlies helping him to his career-best 4/22 in the reverse fixture at Chester-le-Street.

HERE’S HULLY:

Talking of Academy graduates announcing themselves in style, Josh Hull’s trip up north last summer was a towering display “ as the 6ft 7” giant took 3/35.

In an attack containing international stars Rehan Ahmed, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Naseem Shah, as well as Leicestershire’s top T20 wicket-taker Callum Parkinson, Hull stole the show.

The left-arm quick struck twice in his opening over, bowling skipper Alex Lees before his extra pace and bounce accounted for Graham Clark two balls after. He returned at the death to trap Australian star Ashton Turner leg before, marking a superb performance and showcasing the hallmarks of his promising potential in only his second T20 outing.

HUNDRED HERO:

When you think back to heroic moments against Durham, Rishi Patel’s century at Uptonsteel County Ground last summer should instantly spring to mind.

Arriving at the crease 2/1 in the first over chasing 173, Patel took his imperious red-ball form into the Blast “ crunching a 45-ball ton containing 12 fours and four sixes.

Launching Nathan Sowter into the Family Stand, he became just the eighth player to ton up in T20 cricket for the Foxes.

In the process, he set a new Club record for the second wicket in T20s, adding 149 in 75 balls with Lewis Hill. Patel’s breathtaking innings will undoubtedly live long in the memory.

HD’S HAMMERING:

Our final stop on this Memory Lane tour takes us back to July 2006, and to Leicestershire’s third-highest margin of victory in T20 cricket.

Batting first at Chester-le-Street, HD Ackermann’s typically classy 87 (57b) - ably supported by Jeremy Snape hitting 41 off only 21 deliveries - guided the Foxes to 183/7 at halfway. Ackermann’s score beaten only by Rishi Patel’s for Leicestershire’s highest individual total against Durham.

The hosts were on the back foot from the off in their reply “ losing the entirety of their top six for single figures. Stuart Broad, who had just turned 20, impressed with the ball, taking 2/12 from his four overs.

To see more magical moments for the Foxes against Friday’s opponents, secure your tickets HERE.