FRIENDS PROVIDENT TROPHY
Durham 266-7 beat Surrey 265-6 by one run

Matchwinner Ian Blackwell finished with figures of 3-43 from his 10 overs

Ian Blackwell took two wickets with the final two balls of the match as Durham beat Surrey by one run at the Riverside in the FP Trophy.

Blackwell removed Grant Elliott and Jon Batty, with veteran Mark Ramprakash marooned helplessly at the other end.

The 38-year-old, unbeaten on 109, could only watch as Surrey fell two short of their victory target on 265-6.

Earlier, Dale Benkenstein hit an unbeaten 77 and Phil Mustard 61 as Durham posted 266-7.

Surrey had looked favourites when they began the final over needing only five to win six wickets left - and that became two in two.

But New Zealand Test all-rounder Elliott drove straight into the hands of Liam Plunkett at mid-off and Batty pulled the final delivery to Benkenstein at deep mid-wicket to snatch Durham that unlikely win.

It had looked all over when Durham recalled Plunkett for the 47th over and his last two balls were both full tosses which Ramprakash whipped behind square for four and six to reach his century off 96 balls.

But Ramprakash's masterful century was to prove in vain.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version