Steven Mullaney is putting Notts Outlaws’ sparkling NatWest T20 Blast form down to striving for the perfect performance, as he prepares to take on the Yorkshire Vikings at Trent Bridge on Friday.

The Outlaws have won each of their last five completed matches in the competition meaning that, despite four washouts, they have reached the summit of the table with three matches remaining.

“This year people have got to know their roles very quickly and are performing them consistently,” said the all-rounder.

“We've got a formula that's been working and I don't think we'll change.”

The Outlaws’ most handsome victories of the winning run came in their two most recent outings, as a six wicket stroll to victory over Northamptonshire was followed by a nine wicket thrashing of the Worcestershire Rapids at Trent Bridge, courtesy of Riki Wessels’ 16-ball half-century. 

“We were fantastic against Northamptonshire and if I'm not mistaken we didn't do anything wrong in the field against Worcestershire; we didn't drop a catch or misfield. We had one overthrow.

“Dan (captain Dan Christian) been talking about the perfect game. That’s what we’re striving for and our last match was pretty close to it, although there are always things to improve on after any game.

“We know we're going to make mistakes - it happens. But, if we can limit them, we'll have a great chance in the tournament.”

Friday’s opponents Yorkshire, meanwhile, have also hit top form of late, with back to back victories rescuing their previously ailing campaign and putting the Vikings very much back in the race for the quarter-finals.

With both sides packed with internationals, Mullaney sees the fixture as a heavyweight tussle, and he expects a sizeable audience to pack out Trent Bridge come Friday evening.

“Hopefully we’ll get a lot in, as we usually do at Trent Bridge. With the way we’ve been playing, and with them coming in off the back off some good results, both sides are full of confidence which bodes well for a great game. 

“We know they're a good team, especially with David Willey, Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid all back having been playing for England. 

“They've also got Kane Williamson, who is one of the best batsmen in the world, and Adam Lyth has been striking the white ball really well too.”

The Outlaws require one more victory to be sure of quarter-final qualification. And, once the tournament reaches the knockout stages, anybody can lift the trophy, according to Mullaney.

“Lancashire won it after sneaking into the top four last year,” he said.

“The year before that, Birmingham won it by literally sneaking in at the last possible moment because we chased down 200 at Yorkshire.

“When it gets down to the quarter final stage, you're three good games away from lifting the trophy.

“It doesn't matter what happens in the group stages, if you get to the quarter finals, then it's anyones."

 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information

Vs. Yorkshire Vikings – Friday 15 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 29 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Need more information? Call our ticket office on 0844 8118711.