Wakely praises White and Azharullah as Steelbacks sneak to victory

Northants pipped the Welsh outfit in a thrilling finish at the County Ground on Sunday, with the hosts edging a last-ball victory.

Wakely and Cameron White put on 92 for the third wicket as they helped their side recover from a slow start to get back to winning ways.

And Wakely said having White with him in the middle made his job as captain easier, adding: “He’s captained Australia - I couldn’t have had a better man out there.”

Wakely also praised bowler Mohammad Azharullah, who picked up four wickets and conceded just 14 runs in his four overs, helping restrict Glamorgan to a total of 153-7.

“He has been unbelievable for us,” Wakely said. “Credit to the guys who found him. He’s genuinely a lovely lad and he’s fit in really well.”

Meanwhile, Steelbacks head coach David Ripley insisted he always had faith in his side to chase down the target, despite needing 45 from the final four overs.

“There were areas where we didn’t quite hit our straps, like the first six overs of our bowling innings,” he said.

“I always felt we would get home but it was tight. There were times when I felt they were on top.”

Ripley said Azharullah had again proved to be a key man, adding: “He has really been great all season. His last over only went for three, and put that in context and that was really important.”

White, who smashed 68 from just 52 balls, downplayed his own role in the win.

He said: “I thought it was a pretty good all-round team effort, a good performance.

“We were behind the eight-ball a bit at times today but the boys bounced back pretty well.”