Evans Double Century Helps Seconds Pull Off Record Chase

By Pete Johnson

Leicestershire registered a resounding victory against Nottinghamshire just after lunch on day four of their SEC match against Nottinghamshire at Loughborough Town CC.

Set 497 to win, Sam Evans was the star of the show with a stunning double hundred, hitting 210 to eclipse his career best SEC score of 146 against Yorkshire at Kibworth in 2019.

The Foxes commenced day four on 246-1, requiring a further 251 runs for victory from a minimum of 96 overs. Leicestershire coasted home by six wickets with a further 56 overs still available. As comebacks go, this effort would rank alongside one of a bloke named Lazarus, or in current times, that of Oasis!

Leicestershire commenced day four on 246-1, Evans 122*, Harry Swindells 53*. In the 5th over of the morning, Swindells (66) 78b was caught at mid on by Byron Hatton-Lowe off the bowling of Fateh Singh. Swindells having very much assisted Evans in laying a foundation for the innings.

Nikhil Gorantla joined Evans, and the pair built a partnership that put Leicestershire within touching distance of victory. Evans went to his 150 (18x4/1x6) 226b when he drove Hatton-Lowe down the ground to the ropes. It also coincided with the 50 partnership (57b) between Evans and Gorantla.

Nottinghamshire took the new ball as soon as it became available, but it did not prove a deterrent to  Evans or Gorantla. Evans and Gorantla brought up their 100 partnership (108b) from the third delivery with the new ball delivered by George Burrows.

In the next over Gorantla went to his 50 (7x4) 68b when he glanced Toby Pettman down to long leg for a single. County on 367-2 from 81.2 overs, a further 130 required for victory.

With the 5th over of the new ball, Evans took 18 runs off Burrows. Evans on 180 at the start of the over, and you will not see a better 180, even at the Ally Pally!

Two overs later, Evans went to his 200 (27x4/1x6) 259b, when he drove left arm spinner Singh through extra cover for a boundary. It also brought up the 150 partnership (146b) between Evans and Gorantla.

Evans (210) 263b masterclass of an innings came to an end when he attempted to reverse sweep Singh, and was pinned in front lbw. A magnificent knock by Evans, leading from the front. A truly inspirational knock from the skipper. Leicestershire on 430-3 from 88.2 overs, a further 67 runs required for victory.

Jake Tarling joined Gorantla, and the pair took County into Lunch on 448-3 from 92 overs. Gorantla 84*, Tarling 6*. After Lunch Tarling took on the Notts attack rattling up (32) 30b, but falling victim to Singh, who disturbed his woodwork. County on 478-4 with just 19 runs required for victory.

Jamie Dunk joined Gorantla, who was on 85* eyeing a century. The pair saw County home in the 100th over when Gorantla clipped a delivery from Matthew Montgomery to the ropes.

Leicestershire 498-4 winning by 6 wickets. Gorantla 97* (118b), Dunk (9*) 12b. A splendid innings by Gorantla who was extremely unfortunate not to register a thoroughly deserved century.