Sheldon Cottrell went to Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, while Narsingh Deonarine was picked by Windward Islands Volcanoes in the player draft for the 2016-17 WICB Professional Cricket League

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jun-2016Jamaican fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell was picked by Trinidad & Tobago, while Windward Islands chose Narsingh Deonarine, the left-hand batsman, in the player draft for the 2016-17 WICB Professional Cricket League in Barbados on Friday.Cottrell, who has played two Tests, two ODIs and six T20Is for West Indies, was part of the Jamaica squad in the 2015-16 season. He played only four first-class matches in the four-day tournament, taking seven wickets, including a first-class best of 5 for 38. Deonarine played for Trinidad & Tobago and was their second-highest scorer with 494 runs in nine matches at 35.28.Defending champions Guyana picked five players in the draft of which only 21-year-old Vikash Mohan was from outside the home territory. Barbados had two such players in their list of new picks – Kissoondath Magram (from T&T) and 21-year-old uncapped fast bowler Preston McSween from Windward Islands.The draft system has been in place since 2014, when the WICB revamped its domestic structure to combine the selection of players for the regional four-day tournament and the Nagico Super50, and packaged it as the WICB Professional Cricket League.As per the draft rules, each of the six franchises can select from the talent pool available in both tournaments. Each franchise has to enlist a minimum of 15 players, of whom 10 are pre-selected from the home territory, while the remaining five go through the draft system. Of the five spots that are filled through the draft picks, a minimum of two players need to be from outside the home territory. Each franchise is also allowed to have one international player.The draft is conducted over five rounds and each franchise is allowed one pick that must be made within two minutes. In the event of a franchise failing to make a selection within the allotted time, they will have to pass up their turn and wait for the other franchises to finish making their selections in that round, before picking.Full squads (new picks in italics; for players chosen from outside the franchise’s home territory, the region is mentioned in brackets.)Barbados: , Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Kevin Stoute, Jomel WarricanGuyana: , Christopher Barnwell, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Assad Fudadin, Shimron Hetmyer, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer (Barbados), Vishaul Singh, Veerasammy PermaulJamaica: , Nikita Miller, Damion Jacobs, Devon Thomas (Leeward Islands), Chadwick Walton, Andre McCarthy, John Campbell, Rovman Powell, Paul Palmer Jr, Brandon King, Marquino MindleyLeeward Islands: , Quinton Boatswain, Nkrumah Bonner (Jamaica), Kacey Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Jeremiahn Louis, Kieran Powell, Hayden Walsh JrTrinidad & Tobago: , Yannic Cariah, Kyle Hope (Barbados), Jon-Russ Jagessar, Stephen Katwaroo, Imran Khan, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Yannick Ottley, Marlon Richards, Jeremy SolozanoWindward Islands: , Sunil Ambris, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Mervin Matthew, Kyle Mayers (Barbados), Kenroy Peters, Liam Sebastien, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile

The Women’s Big Bash League 2016-17 kicks off with a “carnival weekend” in Sydney on December 10 and 11 with six matches, of which four will be telecast on free-to-air television

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jun-2016

Following a highly successful debut last year, the Women’s Big Bash League is set to receive greater exposure in 2016-17. The tournament kicks off with a “carnival weekend” in Sydney on December 10 and 11 with six matches, of which four will be telecast on prime time free-to-air television in Australia.Each WBBL team will play at least two matches that will be broadcast live. Overall, that number has increased from 10 to 12 this season, including the semi-finals and final. With an eye towards bringing in a larger audience, 14 of the 59 women’s matches will be held simultaneously with the men’s Big Bash League, which begins on December 20 with champions Sydney Thunder taking on Sydney Sixers.Most significantly, the Ten Network will broadcast the WBBL match between the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder live in prime time on their main channel. This timeslot is believed to be a first for women’s sport in Australia. “We will for the first time broadcast the Melbourne Stars taking on the reigning premiers the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League, live from 6.00pm,” Ten chief executive Paul Anderson said. “That will be the first time a standalone women’s sporting competition has been broadcast in prime time on a commercial free-to-air television network’s primary channel.”Among the WBBL-BBL double-headers are the Melbourne derbies on January 1 and 7 and the second Sydney derby on Jaunary 14. The Sydney derby that kicks off the BBL will be a stand-alone event. Last season’s Melbourne derby drew record crowds with over 90,000 people coming to the MCG for both BBL and WBBL matches.Adelaide will host the New Year’s eve matches, with the men’s and women’s Strikers taking on Sixers and Perth Scorchers respectively. Boxing Day features two women’s matches – Strikers v Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars – and one from the men’s tournament – Hurricanes v Stars. Both leagues will have their semi-finals on January 24 and January 25 and their respective finals on January 28.”We operate on a ‘one club, two teams’ mentality with the men’s and women’s Big Bash Leagues to give fans greater options with this integrated schedule,” CA’s executive general manager of operations Mike McKenna said. “The Big Bash League has become a family-favourite during the summer school holidays and the way the public embraced the Women’s Big Bash League last year shows there is strong demand that this schedule is designed to grow.”The number of BBL matches remains the same at 35, with start and finish dates of December 20 and January 28 as opposed to last year’s December 17 opener and January 24 final. Five matches will be played before Christmas, but there will not yet be any match on Christmas Eve or Christmas night, both ideas having been floated by CA last summer.With television rights negotiations for the next round of cricket fixtures in Australia set to heat up following this tournament, Anderson spoke glowingly of the competition’s effect on his network. “The BBL has become an integral part of summer in Australia,” he said. “Cricket Australia has created and built an incredibly popular and successful competition, and we are thrilled to be able to bring it to all Australians.”Network Ten has always been a leader in broadcasting women’s sport and we are leading the way again this summer. We are proud to further cement our commitment to women’s sport through a landmark deal that will see Network Ten broadcast 12 matches of the Women’s Big Bash League – including four of the matches that launch the 2016-17 season from Saturday, 10 December, live and exclusive on Ten. Ten of the 12 matches will be seen on the main Ten channel.”

Journalist Craig Hope has claimed that Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron could be on the bench this weekend.

What's the latest injury news for Newcastle and Miguel Almiron?

The 29-year-old winger has been out injured for a little while now and has not actually played in any of the club's last four Premier League games.

However, with Aston Villa to face away from home, it looks as though he could be in contention to make a return to the bench.

Indeed, while speaking to the press ahead of this game, manager Eddie Howe provided an interesting update on the winger.

He said (via Shields Gazette) “He’s done really well. He’s ahead of schedule at the moment. Fingers crossed, he gets through training, and could be available very soon.”

He was then asked if Almiron could play against Villa, and remained vague with his answer but admitted it was a “possibility".

While talking about this on his own YouTube channel, Hope claimed that Howe's words were enough to confirm that the Paraguay international will definitely make the bench.

He explained: “We've learned to read Eddie when it comes to fitness and otherwise.

"But for him to say that Miguel Almiron is back and training, and see how he come through today's session, that tells us that he will be on the bench down at Aston Villa tomorrow, which is two weeks ahead of schedule, which is a huge boost for them."

How many Premier League goals has Almiron scored this season?

Before the break for the winter World Cup, Almiron was in the form of his life, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in the Premier League.

Since then, however, the £60k-per-week star has lost a little bit of momentum and form, adding just three more league goals to his tally (for a total of 11 in 25).

Perhaps this little time on the sidelines will have done him so good then, just to let him reset before the final run-in.

At the very least, he certainly seems raring to go if he is indeed ready to get back on the bench to play Aston Villa ahead of schedule.

Indeed, while Howe wasn't prepared to confirm Almiron would play any part, journalist Hope seems to be sure that the winger be involved in some capacity as part of the matchday squad for the first time since 12th March.

ScorecardAdam Wheater made his maiden first-class double-hundred (file photo)•PA Photos

For someone who does not see himself as a specialist batsman, Adam Wheater managed a fairly convincing impression of a cricketer with a considerable future in the role as Hampshire amassed their largest total in a Championship match in almost three years.Dropped by Hampshire at the end of May when first-team coach Dale Benkenstein decided he wanted 21-year-old Lewis McManus to take over as wicketkeeper, Wheater marked his second appearance since being recalled only as a batsman with a maiden double-hundred that showcased qualities he perhaps doubted he had.Naturally an aggressive hitter, strong on both sides of the wicket, Wheater turned his overnight 89 into a 147-ball century inside the first half hour, following a slightly delayed start, before taking advantage of an overworked Warwickshire attack to advance to 200 in just 79 deliveries more.He gathered 27 fours and hit three sixes, two of them off Keith Barker, who with Rikki Clarke willingly shouldered the extra burden created by Boyd Rankin’s absence with back spasms but found himself flagging at times on a pitch that remained stubbornly unresponsive.Wheater passed his previous best when he moved on from 164, the score he made for Essex against Northamptonshire in 2011, and went to 200 by reverse sweeping Jeetan Patel, whose stamina was also heavily tested in a series of long spells that added up to 48 overs in total.Wheater, who left Essex in 2013 to further his ambitions with the gloves, has found himself relieved of his duties behind the stumps for the second time since making the move, having previously had to make way for Michael Bates.Benkenstein now wants McManus to have an extended run, feeling that he brings more energy to the role and at the same time considers Wheater should focus on developing as a specialist batsman.”I rate Wheats’ batting but I’ve given him a very long run as a keeper and don’t feel he’s improved in a few areas I think are very important,” Benkenstein said recently. “But as a batter he’s still very young with a huge career ahead of him. Our top order are quite short of runs and he’s got a real chance of making his way in this team as a batter.”Wheater begs to differ, insisting that he wants to contribute more than one discipline to the team effort and that he will fight to win back the gloves again.”I was disappointed [with the decision] and the hierarchy at Hampshire know I want to keep,” he said. “I didn’t see that I was doing much wrong. I see myself as a keeper-batsman. I can’t bowl and I don’t just want to just be fielding. But having said that, when they asked me to play as a batsman in the top six I was going to take that rather than playing in the seconds. I feel I have battled to get back to where I was a couple of years ago with my batting and I feel in a good place.”That’s my role now, to score runs and it gives me a lot of satisfaction to be able to contribute as I have in this match. But things change quickly in cricket and as far as keeping is concerned all I can do is take any opportunity that comes along.”Wheater passed 5000 first-class runs during his partnership runs with Sean Ervine, who coincidentally reached the milestone of 10,000 during their 144-run stand for the sixth wicket.When Ervine chipped Patel straight to short extra cover to be out for 75, however, it precipitated an unforeseen flurry of wickets — five in the space of 20 deliveries with only nine more runs added — and reward for Patel and Josh Poysden, the young legspinner, who picked up the last three for career-best figures of 4 for 85.”Losing Boyd through injury was tough but we worked really hard as a unit,” Poysden said. “I thought we kept going and kept fighting and to get the last five wickets for nine runs was really nice as we finally got what we deserved.”On days one and two in first-class cricket you are not really expecting it to spin so I knew they were going to come quite hard at me when I bowled but that gives me a chance to get wickets so I never mind that.”Warwickshire’s reply got off to a stuttering start, Andrew Umeed leaving a ball from Gareth Andrew that came back and clipped off stump before Ian Bell played inside one from Gareth Berg, at which point 11 for 2 on the scoreboard would have been a considerable fillip for a makeshift Hampshire attack.Andrew claimed another success at the start of his second spell as Varun Chopra played down the wrong line but Jonathan Trott and Sam Hain added an unbroken 53 for the fourth wicket. Trott might have been out on 59 near the close, giving a chance off Berg that McManus might have taken had he been standing further back.

Manchester United are “definitely” interested in a deal to bring Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Who is trying to sign Osimhen?

The Nigeria international’s deal at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium isn’t set to run out for another two years, but having established himself as Luciano Spalletti’s top-offensive and second overall best player with a match rating of 7.55, has caught the eye of Erik Ten Hag.

Fabrizio Romano claimed in February that the Red Devils boss is a “big fan” of the 24-year-old’s skill set, whilst Florian Plettenberg has since reported that the hierarchy “really want” to bring him to Old Trafford. The Serie A forward has already handed his admirers a boost by admitting that it’s his dream to one day complete a move to the top-flight and it sounds like they are therefore keeping close tabs ahead of the upcoming window.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth revealed that Osimhen is indeed a serious target at Man United but insisted that any deal taking place is likely to depend on the funds that will be available to them. He said:

“Osimhen could be one of the big movers in the summer. United would definitely be interested because they want to fill that position. But again, as I mentioned before, that takeover and the finances within that club are going to hold a big key in whether they'd be able to get someone like Osimhen or not."

Where would Osimhen fit in at Man United?

Man United striker Wout Weghorst could be set to return to Burnley in the summer after a disappointing loan spell which has seen him score just two goals, so should he depart, Osimhen would be the perfect long-term replacement for Ten Hag.

The Lagos native has clocked up a remarkable 30 goal contributions (25 goals and five assists) in 30 appearances across all competitions this season and he ranks in the 99th percentile for total number of shots by strikers in the top leagues, form which has seen him lauded a “joy to watch” by journalist Josh Bunting.

The £93k-per-week star would also add excellent versatility to the squad with his ability to play as a natural centre-forward, second striker and even out wide on both the left and right flanks, so should the opportunity to sign him arise, United really have a no-brainer of a decision to make.

Afghanistan allrounder Mohammad Nabi has been reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the fourth ODI against Ireland on Sunday

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jul-2016Afghanistan allrounder Mohammad Nabi has been reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the fourth ODI against Ireland on Sunday.Nabi violated Level 1 Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game.”The incident occurred in the sixth over of Ireland’s chase of 230. Opener Ed Joyce had hit the ball to the extra-cover boundary and Nabi had claimed that he kept the ball in play. Joyce did not complete the third run, assuming it was a boundary, and was adjudged run-out once the ball was thrown back in. However, an ICC release said: “photographic evidence later confirmed that Nabi was in contact with the ball whilst outside the boundary when he had flicked the ball for Rashid Khan to help run-out Joyce.”Joyce, who led Ireland to a six-wicket win with an unbeaten 105 in the third ODI, was dismissed for 12 and Ireland lost by 79 runs.Nabi admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee David Jukes, and there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge had been laid by Alan Neill and C Shamshuddin, the on-field umpires, as well as reserve umpire Royl Black.”After speaking to my colleague, I spoke to the fielder and asked him had he prevented the four,” Neill later told the . “He said ‘yes’. I then asked ‘were you in control of the ball when you were outside the rope?’ He said ‘no sir’. I went over to my colleague and said ‘we have a problem here’.”He said ‘ask him again’, so I repeated the same two questions and got the same two answers. He was adamant he had not touched the ball while he was outside the rope. So we had to take his word and had to give Ed Joyce out.”

The BCCI has authorised its president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke to look into the legal ramifications of the Supreme Court verdict, that approved the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, and guide the board and its member units

Arun Venugopal05-Aug-2016The BCCI has authorised its president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke to look into the legal ramifications of the Supreme Court verdict that approved the Lodha Committee’s recommendations and guide the board and its member units. While there was no official statement from the BCCI, sources that attended the meeting confirmed that Thakur and Shirke will, in conjunction with the newly formed legal panel, engage with the Lodha Committee, and they will represent the concerns of the state associations as well.”This (Lodha Committee verdict) was the single-point agenda, and it was one [short, focused meeting] that lasted about half an hour to 45 minutes,” a state association official from the east zone told ESPNcricinfo. “The BCCI has the legal cell. We as a state association don’t know the legal aspects but somebody has to take care of such things. So, the SGM was called to authorise the secretary and the president to look into it. Concerns of individual state associations were not discussed; it was [a discussion] on the whole as reforms are meant for everybody.”Another official from a southern state said state associations had been instructed to direct their legal queries to the board’s lawyers who will advise them on the future course of action. According to him, however, the board’s first task would be to seek clarifications regarding its own functioning.”On August 9, the president and secretary are supposed to meet the Lodha Committee,” the official said. “The first priority is clarifications regarding the BCCI, only then will state associations come into the picture. Clarifications on all matters – when should the constitution be amended and how, the recommendations, and we also have the AGM coming up in September – will be sought.”While there has been speculation that the BCCI is inclined to file a review petition challenging the Supreme Court’s verdict, the official said it was a decision the president and secretary would make based on the legal advice they get. “There will be greater clarity once they meet the Lodha Committee on the ninth,” he said.The official also said there was no instruction from the board regarding elections of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the Cricket Association of Bengal. The Lodha Committee had directed the CAB and KSCA to put their polls – scheduled for July 31 and August 7 respectively – on hold. “The BCCI will give its opinion on it. There will be more clarity after they discuss with the Lodha Committee. We are not going to raise anything as far as state associations are concerned, let the BCCI do. The states will fall in place thereafter.”

Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs who are interested in signing Leicester City playmaker, James Maddison, with the Englishman looking set for a summer exit from the King Power Stadium.

What's the latest on James Maddison's future?

According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils – as well as both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur – are said to be keen on signing the 26-year-old, with the report suggesting that it is now looking 'inevitable' that the former Norwich City man will move on at the end of the season.

The piece adds that the two-cap ace 'is set to be sold' even if the struggling Foxes are able to stave off relegation, with any potential suitor needing to cough up between £45m and £60m if they are to secure his services, with just over a year left to run on the player's current deal.

The Coventry-born gem does appear to have been a long-term target for those at Old Trafford, with Manchester Evening News reporting back in February 2020 that Maddison was the club's 'prime playmaker target' for that forthcoming summer, with the player himself said to have been keen to make the switch.

How would Maddison fit in at Man United?

While the highly-coveted talent is part of a Leicester side that has been desperately underwhelming this season – with a return to the second tier potentially on the cards for the Midlands side – the midfield maestro has still been something of a shining light, with nine goals and seven assists in 25 Premier League games so far this term.

That follows what was a standout 2021/22 campaign for the clinical "magician" – as hailed by Statman Dave – as he contributed 30 goals and assists in 53 games across all fronts, including 20 goal involvements in the top flight alone.

Although Maddison has done much of his damage off the flanks of late, the versatile asset could also slot into Erik ten Hag's side in a creative, midfield berth, ensuring he could represent a potential upgrade on experienced ace, Christian Eriksen.

There's no denying that the latter man has been an astute capture since his free transfer arrival last summer – having racked up two goals and nine assists in 38 appearances to date – although there may be concerns over the 31-year-old's ability to be a long-term solution in midfield, particularly amid his recent, difficult return from injury.

The Denmark international was notably replaced on the hour mark in the FA Cup semi-final clash with Brighton and Hove Albion after being restricted to just 26 touches on the day, while having also 'shook his head in frustration at his own performance' against Aston Villa on Sunday, according to MEN's Samuel Luckhurst.

As such, turning to Maddison could potentially represent something of a long-term, midfield upgrade, with the England international's dynamic quality showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 12% among his European peers for progressive carries and the top 17% for successful take-ons, while Eriksen, by contrast, ranks in just the top 35% and the bottom 19% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Equally, Maddison's innate creativity is showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes received – further rubberstamping his forward-thinking and probing approach – while the current United man ranks in just the top 33% in that regard.

The Leicester sensation also potentially offers more in a defensive sense having averaged 1.6 tackles per game in the league this season, while Eriksen has averaged just 0.6 for that same metric, further proving what a potential upgrade Maddison could be for Ten Hag.

Manchester United have been huge admirers of Harry Kane for some time and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player ahead of the summer transfer window.

What's the latest on Manchester United's interest in Harry Kane?

According to The Mirror, Manchester United are still keen to bring the Tottenham Hotspur goal machine to Old Trafford this summer and are planning an attacking revolution.

As per the report, the Red Devils are looking to build a strike force of both Kane and Goncalo Ramos when the transfer window opens next month and it is claimed that Man United are preparing for tough negotiations with Daniel Levy to finally secure the striker's signature.

Will Manchester United sign Harry Kane this summer?

Despite clear progress being made at Old Trafford since the arrival of Erik ten Hag last summer, there are still some pain points in the squad that need addressing ahead of next season.

Following the premature departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November, the Red Devils made a move for Wout Weghorst to fill the gap in the centre-forward role but with just two goals tallied up, the 30-year-old hasn't been able to make the desired impact.

Not only that, Man United mainstay Anthony Martial has been unable to make the role his own either, as his inconsistent form continues with just seven goals scored over the campaign so far.

As a result, the signing of Kane – who has a reported £100m price tag – would be a massive boost for the club, as the England captain has no trouble finding the back of the net having scored double figures consistently for Tottenham Hotspur throughout his career.

The three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner would undoubtedly be a huge upgrade on Martial for the plain and simple reason that he scores more regularly.

Indeed, the England skipper has bagged more league goals this season (26) than the Man United striker has delivered in three seasons (9). That is a dismal indication of just how poor the Frenchman has been in recent years.

It will come as no surprise that Kane has earned huge praise over this career so far, with German World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann full of compliments for England's top-scorer:

"Harry Kane is exceptional. He dedicated all his career to Tottenham and he is not only their symbol, but the symbol of English football.

"He breaks one record after the other, but unfortunately he didn't win anything so far and this is a bit sad because a player like him has to quit with at least a couple of trophies in his pocket."

A move to the Manchester giants could provide Kane with the opportunity to not only continue his pursuit of the all-time Premier League goal-scoring record but will give him the chance to win major trophies along the way, as the Red Devils are back on the path to success following their League Cup win earlier this season.

With that being said, if the Man United hierarchy can convince Kane to make the move this summer, it would be a major coup and will send a clear message of intent for the club to dominate English football once again. Sadly, it would also undoubtedly mean the end for Martial in Manchester red.

Should Kane carry the club to glory, however, few will have any reason to complain that those who stood before him were sold on.

Lancashire’s two England Lions men took the honours as the NatWest T20 Blast holders finally showed some of last season’s prowess in a four-run win against Durham at Chester-le-Street

ECB Reporters Network22-Jul-2016
ScorecardSaqib Mahmood (centre) struck three times to stifle Durham’s chase•ICC

Lancashire’s two England Lions men took the honours as the NatWest T20 Blast holders finally showed some of last season’s prowess in a four-run win against Durham at Chester-le-Street.Liam Livingstone made an unbeaten 43 off 24 balls to lift Lancashire’s total to 176 for 3 and Durham were on target until Saqib Mahmood struck timber three times in four balls.They were revived by an unbroken stand of 48 in 3.5 overs between Paul Coughlin and Keaton Jennings, but when Coughlin needed to hit the last ball from Nathan Buck for six it landed ten yards short at long-on.Durham finished on 172 for 5, virtually ending their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals, a target already looking beyond Lancashire when they arrived in bottom place in the North Group.After being put in, Lancashire worked the ball into spaces as they ticked along to 88 for 1 after 12 overs before doubling the score in the remaining eight. The only six was a powerful straight drive by Livingstone, who used the ramp shot to hit four fours.Chris Rushworth’s first 11 balls cost one one run, plus four byes, which proved costly in the end. Alviro Petersen guided his first two fours deftly to third man before left-hander Luis Reece was struck on the helmet, prompting a delay while a new one was sent for. But in the next over Reece drove at Coughlin and edged behind.With only two runs coming off that over, Lancashire were 36 at the end of the Powerplay.Karl Brown opened up on the return of Usman Arshad for the 13th over, taking 15 off the first four balls before Petersen drove well wide of off stump and edged behind for 42.Brown departed in the next over for 41, lbw trying to sweep Scott Borthwick, but Livingstone and Croft upped the momentum.Durham’s top T20 scorer, Phil Mustard, made only 8 before skying Jordan Clark to wicketkeeper Tom Moores.Mark Stoneman smashed Clark for two big sixes wide of long-on in the sixth over but when Croft, the third of Lancashire’s three spinners, brought himself on for the tenth over Stoneman was bowled for 36 when trying to hit a straight ball over midwicket.Calum MacLeod offered Durham’s best chance of victory as he made 45 off 31 balls. But when stepped back to hit Mahmood through the off side he was yorked and the same fate befell Ryan Pringle and Gordon Muchall.Coughlin hit Mahmood for a big six as the 19th over brought 16 runs, but the youngster still finished with 3 for 31 and Durham had left themselves too much to do.