Pietersen the hero in dramatic Notts victory
by Steve Williams, 5th May 2003

Monday May 5th 2003 - a date that will live forever in the memories of the Notts fans present at Trent Bridge today, who were fortunate to witness one of the most memorable matches ever to take place between these two local rivals.

The balance of power swung both ways during this enthralling duel, with Notts ending victorious by just one wicket with only four balls to spare.

On a sunny, but breezy day, Notts won the toss and invited the visitors to bat. Derbyshire soon found themselves in serious trouble, with their top four batsmen back in the pavilion with only 23 runs on the board. With Elworthy and Smith both taking two wickets apiece, an early finish seemed a possibility.

Notts, however, found the middle order pairing of Selwood and Hewson in inspirational form. The pair added 96 at a run a ball, helped by some indisciplined bowling by the Notts attack. Franks, in particular, was disappointing, conceding 8 wides and 2 no balls in his spell. With the fall of Selwood for 67 and Hewson for 50, it was left to Cork and Lungley to use up the remaining overs and this ensured a respectable final score of 252 all out. Elworthy was the pick of the bowlers with 4-41.

Notts reply started in disastrous fashion. Chris Read, fresh from his maiden one day century yesterday, was run out without facing a ball in the first over. Further wickets fell cheaply until Pietersen was joined by Cairns at 68-4. The latter was just starting to cut loose when he holed out at mid off for a brisk 40. When Shafayat quickly followed, Derbyshire must have thought they had a great chance of victory.Even when Pietersen's patient half century was reached off 69 balls, the required run rate was increasing, until 103 were needed from the last 10 overs.

It was now that Pietersen started to hit the ball with ferocious power. The large crowd gave him a standing ovation when he reached his century, his second fifty coming off just 24 balls, including 4 huge sixes. His relief at being dropped at mid on when on 93 was obvious to all, as he punched the air after taking a single.

Paul Franks had been his quiet ally in a stand of 79, but following his and Elworthy's dismissal, only 2 wickets were required by Derbyshire and still 18 required. The final over began with Randall on strike with only 3 required for victory, but he top edged at was caught at point. Fortunately though, the batsmen had crossed and Pietersen smashed the next ball for four to win the match. He ended unbeaten on 130 off just 109 balls, as he ran jubilantly off the pitch, both arms raised.

So ended a magnificent advert for the game of cricket and although the home team were victorious, full credit must also go to the visitors for their part in this amazing game. But the game will be remembered for Petersen's superb innings.