Captain Jordan Thompson and star performer James Wharton hailed a job well done as Yorkshire brushed Somerset aside to make the perfect start to their three-day Abu Dhabi Counties Super Cup T20 campaign this morning.
The Vikings chased down 156 to win by five wickets with 15 balls to spare against the reigning Vitality Blast champions.
Wharton starred with an innovative 60 off 39 balls after Matt Milnes and Dan Moriarty had claimed two wickets apiece in restricting the Taunton side to 155-5 on a slowish pitch at the Tolerance Oval.
“I think the lads got a good run out today,” said stand-in skipper Thompson.
“We bowled very well. We bowled to the dimensions, and there was a strong wind coming towards the pavilion end and we managed to keep away from that.
“We took wickets at good times, and then as a batting side we chased it down very well, which is something we haven’t done well in previous years.
“We’re happy to get a chase on the board.
“Wharts did really well. We know what he can do. He has a T20 hundred under his belt, and he scored well today in all areas of the ground and took us over the line.”
The Vikings face Warwickshire (10.15am UK) tomorrow knowing that if they win they are through to Sunday afternoon’s final.
“We bowled well and batted well in all areas,” added the skipper.
“Maybe with the dimensions and the wind, we got caught three times on the long side. It’s important we don’t give away easy wickets like that, and moving into tomorrow we’ll be taking that into account.”
Wharton built on the earlier good work of openers Adam Lyth and Will Luxton, who shared 42 inside four overs to break the back of a middling target.
The Scholes batter has just spent his winter in Perth playing grade cricket for Wanneroo.
He said: “It was a very good team performance from the boys today – we bowled and fielded well and then did the job with the bat.
“The pitch was a little bit two-paced – slow and then the odd ball would skip through.
“Obviously, with the dimensions, you just had to be smart.”
“Lythy and Luxy got us off to a great start and made it a bit easier for the rest of us coming in.”
The fixture was live-streamed this morning, and a number of Yorkshire players were part of the commentary team during the second innings.
Matthew Fisher was one, Jonny Tattersall – who didn’t play in the game – was another.
And two-wicket spinner Moriarty was the third Tyke behind the mic, the county’s new signing from Surrey.
He added: “If we can take some momentum away from our pre-season tour, it helps us. We came out here wanting to win every game, and we’re happy with the start.”
