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Eleven years is a long wait-but for James Anderson, it was worth every second. In an extraordinary return to T20 cricket after more than a decade, England's legendary seamer produced a masterclass, taking 3 for 17 in a performance that left fans gasping and Durham reeling.

At the picturesque Banks Homes Riverside, Anderson's spell helped restrict Durham to 150 for 6, paving the way for Lancashire's thrilling four-wicket win off the final ball. This was no ceremonial cameo-this was vintage Jimmy, all skill and guile, in a format he hadn't touched since August 2014.

Opening the bowling with surgical precision, Anderson dismissed Graham Clark for 10-caught at deep mid-off-and then outwitted Alex Lees for 16, who had earlier launched him for a six but couldn't survive Anderson's teasing length. At the end of the powerplay, Durham were stifled at 39 for 2, with Anderson having bowled three overs for just 15 runs.

Back for a second spell in the 11th over, the 41-year-old maestro sent Colin Ackermann packing, caught at third man for 18. He finished his four-over quota for just 17 runs and three scalps-utterly ignoring the fireworks that modern T20 cricket demands. He didn't need variations or mystery balls-just classic control and relentless consistency.

Despite Jimmy Neesham's unbeaten 40 from 25 balls and a spirited 33-run partnership with Ben Raine, Durham only managed to crawl to 150. Anderson wasn't done influencing the match, either-he took the catch at long leg to dismiss Raine for 29 off Tom Aspinwall, further denting Durham's hopes of a big finish.

In reply, Lancashire's chase was far from smooth sailing. Early wickets tumbled as Zak Foulkes and Neesham struck early, leaving them 23 for 2 after four overs. Michael Jones, playing against his former side, emerged as the anchor. His aggressive 55 off 38 balls included a booming six that shattered a car window at the Lumley End-true Blast fashion.

Lancashire still needed 52 from the final six overs and tension gripped the Riverside crowd. Chris Green's powerful six off Foulkes gave them the edge, but Neesham kept Durham in the contest, even catching and bowling Josh Bohannon for 31 in the final over. With one required from the last delivery, Jack Blatherwick coolly nudged a single to seal the win.

Lancashire walked away with their third straight win in this year's Vitality Blast, while Durham tasted defeat for the first time. But in the end, it wasn't just the victory that had fans buzzing-it was the legend, James Anderson, turning back the T20 clock like he'd never left.