With retirement on the horizon, Darren Stevens would have been hoping he could end a spectacular career in the best way possible.
Indeed, he managed to do just that as he helped guide Kent to a 21-run victory in the 2022 Royal London Cup Final against Lancashire at Trent Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
In fact, some would argue that it was his contribution that helped them win the 50-over game, as he managed to hit an unbeaten knock of 33 from just 31 balls that included two fours.
His bowling was a little off compared to normal, as he saw his eight overs go for 45 runs without taking a wicket, with an economy rate of 5.62. Indeed, many who will have been wagering on the sites available apostas-desportivas.org will have perhaps expected him to have made a difference with the ball and bat.
It was the perfect way for Stevens to end his 26-year career in the professional game, with the title being his maiden one. However, it could have been a very different outcome considering the poor start they had made.
Ben Compton was caught after just four balls leaving Kent without any runs on the board, however a partnership of 79 between Joey Evison and Ollie Robinson got the team on their way. Evison would end up hitting 97 before being bowled by Lamb, with Robinson ending his innings on 43.
Joe Denly hit a solid 78 from 69 that included eight fours and one six, while Alex Blake hit a useful 38 from 32 before Stevens entered the crease.
Keaton Jennings and Steven Croft appeared to put Lancashire back in the game with a pair of 72s, however Rob Jones’ 29 was the next best score, thus perhaps highlighting just how much the county side had struggled throughout their innings.
Although, it could be argued that the Kent bowling attack was at its very best throughout the 50-over game, with Stewart taking three wickets in his seven overs at a rate of six an over, while Gilchrist managed to take three wickets as well from his 10 overs with an economy rate of 6.50 an over.
The star with the bat, Evison also managed to take two wickets from 6.4 overs as he wrapped up the action, while Qadri and Podmore both each managed to get one wicket apiece, too.
A fitting end to a spectacular career for Stevens and one that he will likely remember for the remainder of his life, especially the standing ovation he received.
