Flintoff stars in last-gasp Lancashire win

8:39am Monday 5th May 2008

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Andrew Flintoff delivered another impressive bowling display to help Lancashire complete a dramatic five-wicket victory over holders Durham in their rain-hit Friends Provident Trophy showdown.

Playing in only his fourth match of the season following a fourth operation on his troublesome left ankle during the winter, the 30-year-old all-rounder bowled with hostility and accuracy to help restrict Durham to 151-7 in a match reduced to 23 overs a side by heavy morning rain.

His contribution, claiming 2-13 from his five overs, prevented Durham posting a far more competitive total and looked to have put Lancashire on course for victory.

But the loss of both Flintoff and Mohammad Yousuf in successive overs left Lancashire needing 12 off the final over and all-rounder Steven Croft having to hit a six off the final ball from Graham Onions to clinch victory.

Croft took one step down the wicket and launched a huge drive over extra cover into the member's area in front of the pavilion to maintain Lancashire's unbeaten record in the competition.

Lancashire could have been facing a far bigger total but for Flintoff's economical efforts with opener Michael Di Venuto and captain Dale Benkenstein threatening to take them to a major score during a profitable 61-run stand off eight overs.

Both batsmen were dropped early in their innings, but Flintoff ensured neither batsman went on to play a match-winning innings and had a hand in both of their dismissals.