In a pulsating semi-final clash under a sun-drenched sky, Thongsbridge delivered a spectacular performance to triumph over Denby Dale, booking their spot in the T20 Shield final. The crowd, electrified by the high stakes and brilliant cricket on display, witnessed Thongsbridge carve out a memorable 31-run victory, setting the stage for an epic showdown against Armitage Bridge slated for 8 September.

Thongsbridge - 171-7 (20.0 overs)
Losing the toss and being put into bat first, Thongsbridge displayed a commanding batting performance against early pressure. Captain Richard Marshall, showcasing remarkable resilience and flair, played a sensational innings. From the very first ball, Marshall exhibited masterful stroke play, driving, cutting, and lofting the ball with precision. His scintillating knock of 91 off 58 balls, embellished with seven boundaries and six towering sixes, kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Every boundary elicited roars of approval, especially a monstrous six that soared over mid-wicket.

Partnering with Marshall was Nathan Schoultz, the South African keeper-batsman, who, despite an early dismissal for 9, helped set a solid platform. Vikas Dixit, the dynamic Indian batsman, contributed a brisk 17, showcasing his classy cover drives. The middle-order saw cameos from William Reeves (19 off 12) and Adnan Ghani (10 off 4), whose swift hits accelerated the innings.

Thongsbridge ended their innings at a formidable 171 for 7, thanks to the captain's heroics and the crucial contributions of Reeves and Dixit.

Denby Dale - 140-9 (20.0 overs)
Chasing 172 was never going to be easy against Thongsbridge’s fiery bowling attack. Denby Dale started aggressively, with Malindu Maduranga smashing a quick-fire 37 off just 19 balls, including some audacious boundaries. However, Ben Balmforth struck early, removing Maduranga and following up with the wicket of Matthew Rammell, jolting Denby Dale's confidence.

Liam Greig, Denby Dale’s anchorman, played a valiant innings of 55 off 43 balls, holding one end as wickets tumbled at the other. The crowd erupted when Adnan Ghani, who recently represented Yorkshire CCC D40 Disability 1st XI, bowled with precision to dismiss Greig and Joshua Fowler, further tightening Thongsbridge's grip on the match.

The star of the bowling attack, however, was Ben Howitt. With an inspired spell of 4 wickets for 22 runs, he dismantled Denby Dale’s middle order. His delivery to trap Jordan Geldart lbw was a masterpiece of pace and accuracy, and the double strike to remove Hayden Rose and Fred Stower in quick succession was a decisive moment.

Thongsbridge’s managed to keep it tight in the field, a standout moment was Vikas Dixit’s spectacular catch at deep mid-wicket to send Tom James Berry packing, a moment that had the crowd on their feet.

As the final wicket fell, the atmosphere was electric with the roar of approval from the crowd echoed around the ground.

Key Performances

• Richard Marshall: 91 runs off 58 balls (7 fours, 6 sixes)
• Ben Howitt: 4 overs, 22 runs, 4 wickets
• Benjamin Balmforth: 4 overs, 35 runs, 3 wickets
• Adnan Ghani: 4 overs, 21 runs, 2 wickets