Napier the leading light

7 July 2008

Graham Napier drills the ball wide of long-on en route to a rapid 40 off just 20 deliveries

Graham Napier continued his remarkable run of form by again playing a starring role in Essex's 59-run demolition of Northamptonshire to book their place at the Twenty20 Cup finals day.

The 28-year-old struck 40 from just 20 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes, in the hosts’ imposing total of 192 for nine at Chelmsford.

Then, in the guise of seam bowler, he claimed 4-10 in four overs as the visitors stuttered to 115 for seven in their pursuit of a revised target of 175 in 18 overs after rain delayed the start of their reply.

Only a fortnight ago, Napier smashed a record 16 sixes in an unbeaten 152 against Sussex in the same competition, while on Saturday he made a belligerent 61 to help the Eagles secure a place in the final of the Friends Provident Trophy at Lord's next month at the expense of Yorkshire.

Northants were always up against it after openers Ravi Bopara and Mark Pettini shared an opening stand of 68 in seven overs.

Bopara made 47 from 26 deliveries with the help of seven fours and two sixes, while Pettini managed 17.

Napier's 40 gave the Essex innings late momentum before he was caught at long-on in the final over of the innings.

Northants made a dreadful start to their reply: Rob White was caught behind by James Foster off David Masters in the opening over before Napier struck three times in his first two to reduce Northants to 11 for four.

It was only a fighting 58 not out from Nicky Boje - his effort spanned 43 deliveries - that spared the visitors from humiliation, but their hopes of winning a place at finals day at the Rose Bowl later this month had long since disappeared.

Napier took his fourth wicket - that of Lance Klusener - with the last ball of the match as Essex wrapped up a comprehensive victory.