Anderson ice-cold at the death as allrounder Shadab lays platform for Lancashire

Shadab Khan’s all-round show: Pakistan allrounder Shadab set up the game for Lancashire with key contributions in both innings. That usually means runs in the middle order + wickets with his leg-spin. He’s been Lancashire’s overseas player in the 2026 season.

Anderson’s finish: Veteran seamer James Anderson, 43, delivered the “winning touch” – likely a clutch spell with the new ball or at the death to close out the match. Anderson plays for Lancashire in the County Championship when not on England duty.

Context: Lancashire had a mixed 2026 County Championship run – they lost to Derbyshire and Kent in June, and drew with Worcestershire in May. So this headline likely refers to a rare win where Shadab’s performance with bat and ball gave them control, and Anderson took the key wickets to seal it.

Anderson bowled a superb penultimate over that cost only three runs and finished with 2 for 19 as the hosts were dismissed for 201 chasing 205. Aneurin Donald blasted six sixes in a 37 ball 88, his highest T20 score, and Ross Whiteley hammered 46 from 29 but Anderson's nous proved decisive. Lightning posted 205 with Ben McDermott scoring 68 from 40 balls and Shadab Khan 58 off 22 before Akif Javed took three wickets in the final over to finish with 4 for 36. The Red Rose recovered from a mixed powerplay in which Liam Livingstone went cheaply.

Michael Jones and Keaton Jennings took 19 from Ben Aitchison's second over but Matthew Montgomery's off spin applied the brake. He beat Jennings's reverse sweep and Jones sliced Nick Potts to cover before Livingstone edged a cut at Javed.. After six overs Lancashire were 45 for 3 and in need of momentum which McDermott and Matthew Hurst provided. They took 19 from a Martin Andersson over and were starting to motor until Hurst skied Potts into the covers.

Donald and Whiteley got the Falcons back on track by taking 20 from Blatherwick's second over as the hosts reached the halfway point needing 88. Donald was threatening to win the game on his own until he edged another big shot behind which left Whiteley to lead the charge. He lofted Livingstone for two sixes and although Aspinwall yorked him, Potts gave the Falcons hope. But Anderson bowled skillfully and then held the catch to remove Potts which sealed victory.