Durham defeat down to Sales of the century!

Durham 171 all out v Northamptonshire 321-8, Metro Bank One-Day Cup, Group B. Northamptonshire won by 150 runs.

- By GRAHAM HARDCASTLE

A SUPERB maiden List A century from James Sales - 117 off 110 balls - set Northamptonshire Steelbacks up for a first Metro Bank One-Day Cup win in four games this season, by 150 runs at the expense of Durham at the Banks Homes Riverside.

The young Steelbacks side kick-started their Group B campaign following a No Result and two defeats as they successfully defended a commanding 321 for eight total.

Durham, meanwhile, suffered their third defeat in five to threaten their chances of a top-three finish for knockout qualification.

Having elected to bat, Northamptonshire were advanced by centurion Sales, who was well supported by New Zealander Tim Robinson’s well-paced 63 off 69 balls and Justin Broad’s more aggressive 59 off 45.

Durham then lost early wickets and never realistically threatened. They were bowled out for 171 inside 32 overs. Indian Yuzvendra Chahal finished with three for 30 from six overs of leg-spin.