Essex bring Lancashire back down to earth

Lancashire's joy at reaching the semi-finals of the Twenty20 Cup was shortlived as Essex taught them a lesson in the 40-over format, winning by eight wickets at Old Trafford. Batting first after winning the toss, Lancashire limped to a below-par 154 for 8, and were well beaten with more than seven overs to spare. Iain Sutcliffe topscored with 54 and Mark Chilton anchored the remainder of the innings with 48 not out, but Sajid Mahmood, the No. 10, was the only other batsman to reach double figures as Essex's spinners, led by Danish Kaneria (3 for 24) scythed through the innings. In reply, Grant Flower made 66 in even time and Ravinder Bopara completed the job with 45 not out. James Anderson, with 2 for 36, was the pick of Lancashire's attack.