Lincolnshire CCC delivered one of their most eventful and demanding weeks of the summer, moving between the long-form grind of Championship cricket and the high-stakes pressure of knockout T20 action.Across formats, one theme dominated – Sam Evans’ remarkable run of form, supported by a squad showing depth, resilience and growing confidence.In-form Sam Evans batting against Bedfordshire.Lincolnshire resumed their three-day NCCA Championship fixture against Bedfordshire in a commanding position, and by the end of day three had completed one of their most emphatic wins of the season.Having bowled Bedfordshire out for 178, Lincolnshire produced a superb batting display to post 479 from their 90 overs, with contributions flowing throughout the order.Sam Evans anchored the innings magnificently, compiling a classy 154, his second century of the campaign.Nic Keast (75), Tom Keast (84), Amartya Kaul (75) and Ben Wright all played vital supporting roles as Lincolnshire surged to a lead of 301.Bedfordshire’s second innings was far more robust, reaching 378, but Lincolnshire stuck to their task in draining heat.The standout performance came from Seamus Nazir, who claimed his maiden five-wicket haul for the county with figures of 5-111 from 29 overs.Chasing 74 for victory, Lincolnshire were clinical.Evans again led the way with an unbeaten 42, sealing a memorable personal match and a crucial win that lifts Lincolnshire to the top of Division Two.Promotion now rests on the final Championship fixture of the season against Cumbria at Cleethorpes later this month.With barely time to draw breath, attention shifted to the NCCA T20 knockout stages Super 12 Eliminator against Cheshire.Batting first, Lincolnshire posted 150-7, built around Evans’ fluent 53 from 41 balls and a valuable 29 from Pranav Pothula.Cheshire began their chase strongly, but Lincolnshire’s bowlers tightened the screw superbly.Nazir continued his excellent week with 3-18, while captain Nic Keast delivered a crucial spell of 2-20.Cheshire closed on 147-9, sending Lincolnshire through to the quarter-finals.Lincolnshire again batted first but struggled to generate momentum against a sharp Staffordshire attack.Evans top-scored with 29 from 24, but no partnership materialised to lift the total to a competitive level. Lincolnshire finished on 115-8, knowing they would need something special with the ball.Staffordshire, however, were in no mood to falter.They chased the target with authority, reaching it three down in the 14th over. Lincolnshire’s T20 campaign ends at the quarter-final stage — a disappointment on the day, but a clear sign of progress in white ball cricket and plenty of encouragement heading into next season.Focus now returns to the Championship, where Lincolnshire will aim to secure promotion at the first attempt.They welcome Cumbria to Cleethorpes CC on Sunday, 23rd August, with free entry for all supporters.A win would cap a season of growth, resilience and standout individual performances — none more so than Evans’ extraordinary week across formats.Continue Reading
Evans stars as Lincolnshire battle on two fronts in busy week
