Steven Croft joins elite 5000-run club in Vitality T20 Blast 2024

The North Group clash of the Vitality T20 Blast 2024 between Lancashire and Northamptonshire did not go in favor of the home team in Manchester. Northamptonshire emerged victorious, securing a four-wicket win while chasing a high target of 202 runs. However, the match will be memorable for Lancashire's batting all-rounder, Steven Croft, and the spectators, as the 39-year-old veteran achieved a significant milestone during the game.

Croft, from Blackpool, Lancashire, played his 249th T20 match for his hometown club and became only the fourth batter in the Blast's history to score 5000 runs. He joins James Vince, Joe Denly, and Luke Wright in this exclusive club.

Croft reached this milestone in the 14th over of the first innings with a cut shot off a wide delivery from left-arm wrist-spinner Freddie Heldreich, sending the ball to the backward point boundary.

Despite a strong start, Croft managed to score only 22 runs, highlighted by two sixes and one boundary. He was dismissed by David Willey, with former English all-rounder Ravi Bopara, who is just behind Croft in the tournament's all-time run tally, taking the catch.

In the end, it was South African batter Matthew Breetzke who played a key role in Northamptonshire's victory, scoring a blistering 76 off 31 balls. His explosive performance helped Northamptonshire reach second place in the standings with 18 points at the end of the group stage. Lancashire finished third and will face Sussex in the quarter-finals.