Derbyshire claimed the top spot in Group A

Anuj Dal delivered a stunning century as Derbyshire claimed the top spot in Group A with a thrilling one-wicket win over Somerset in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Taunton.

Somerset, who batted first after losing the toss, set a formidable target with 316 for 5. Captain Sean Dickson contributed 86 from 64 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes, while James Rew scored 88, Andy Umeed added 58, and Josh Thomas remained unbeaten on 54. Zak Chappell took 3 for 54 for Derbyshire.

In response, Derbyshire chased down 317 for 9 thanks to Dal’s superb 115 off 75 balls, which featured 10 fours and 2 sixes, and David Lloyd’s 71. Seventeen-year-old Harry Moore played a crucial role, finishing with 36 not out, including 5 fours and a six, to guide Derbyshire to victory with ten balls to spare. George Thomas also excelled with 3 for 41, setting a new List A career-best.

Moore had previously scored just ten runs in three List A innings but made a significant impact with his match-winning cameo.

Early breakthroughs from Chappell and Sam Conners, who dismissed George Thomas and Lewis Goldsworthy, put Somerset on the back foot. However, Rew and Umeed steadied the innings with their second-century partnership of the season, both reaching their fifties in the 24th over. Umeed fell for 58, and Rew was out for 88, leaving Somerset poised for a strong finish.

Dickson and Josh Thomas accelerated the scoring, adding 89 runs in the last seven overs. Dickson reached his fifty off 51 balls and hit several big shots before falling to Chappell. Thomas continued the onslaught, finishing unbeaten on 54, including a six off the last ball of the innings.

Derbyshire’s chase started aggressively, with Reece hitting 6 fours in the first two overs. Despite losing Harry Came and Brooke Guest to George Thomas and Reece falling to a sharp throw, Derbyshire fought back. Matt Lamb and Samit Patel’s dismissals left them at 90 for 5. 

Dal and Lloyd formed a crucial sixth-wicket stand of 145, both reaching fifties in the 33rd over. Their partnership of 145 took Derbyshire within striking distance, but Somerset’s bowlers, including spinners Leach and Bashir, struggled to contain them. Josh Davey’s return broke the stand when Lloyd was dismissed, and Dal fell shortly after, leaving Derbyshire needing 12 more runs.

Wagstaff was run out by a brilliant throw from Dickson before Dal completed his 69-ball century. Despite Dal’s dismissal, Moore held his nerve to secure the win for Derbyshire.