Sammy King hammered a stellar century as Notts Outlaws 2nd XI saw off rivals Derbyshire by 33 runs to qualify for Second XI T20 Finals Day.
King struck eight fours and eight sixes in amassing 113 from just 52 balls in a 77-minute masterclass of shortest-format batting, underpinning Notts’ racking up of an imposing 249-8.
In response, Brooke Guest hit his own 34-ball 102 for Derbyshire, but Joe Pocklington and Freddie McCann’s three wickets each proved the difference as the hosts fell short to be dismissed for 216.
The sizeable score, which came about in spite of Derbyshire opting to bowl first after winning the toss, also saw an even speedier 70 off just 25 deliveries by Dane Schadendorf.
King and Schadendorf shared in a blistering stand of 116 for the fourth wicket off a barely-believable 41 balls, with the latter’s innings including a hammering of eight fours and five sixes.
The former was last out in the final over, falling three balls after reaching his hundred to Rory Haydon, who returned 2/48 to be the standout home bowler.
As Derbyshire began their chase, captain Guest’s innings had carried his side to the point of requiring a further 86 off 56, with nine wickets in hand, when he reached his century.
However, he fell to Pocklington from the very next ball, losing his middle stump after aiming one heave too many at the spinner, and that precipitated a collapse.
From 164-1 in the 11th over, the hosts lost eight wickets for just 28 runs in the ensuing five overs to plummet to 192-8.
A brace from James Hayes backed up McCann’s 3/19 and Pocklington’s 3/31, while Olly Stone also snared a scalp as Derbyshire were eventually all out with eight balls unbowled.
The result ensured Notts’ progress to Finals Day, held at Wormsley on Wednesday (16 July), as the best second-placed side across the three groups.
Having finished as runners-up to Durham in the North Group, the Outlaws will also accompany Warwickshire and Hampshire to the showpiece.
Click here for the full scorecard and highlight clips.
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