The India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has performed admirably in the ongoing County Championship even though he is not now part of the BCCI’s plans for red-ball cricket. After scoring five and four runs in the previous game against Derbyshire, the 34-year-old was able to maintain his intensity against Leicestershire.
In the first innings, Chahal and fellow spinner Rob Keogh combined to take seven wickets. They were crucial to Northamptonshire’s historic victory in the County Championship Division II last week, and they also put the county in a strong position against Leicestershire.
Northamptonshire held Leicestershire to 203 runs in the first innings thanks to four wickets taken by Yuzvendra Chahal
Interestingly, Sol Budinger, the other opener for Leicestershire, played a crucial innings of 56 runs, although Rishi Patel, the opener, left the pitch before reaching his total. The Chahal and Keogh show had already started when captain Lewis Hill and Rehan Ahmed made significant cameos of 32 and 30 runs, respectively.
17.3 | Straight into the action!
Yuzi Chahal strikes with his third ball of the morning, bowling Holland round his legs.
Leicestershire 45/2.
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— Northamptonshire CCC (@NorthantsCCC) September 17, 2024
39.4 | Yuzi gets Rehan Ahmed!
It’s one big shot too many for Ahmed as he picks out Procter.
Leicestershire 139/6.
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— Northamptonshire CCC (@NorthantsCCC) September 17, 2024
Keogh sent Hill, Tom Scriven, and Sam Wood back to the pavilion in the match, while the India international took out Ian Holland, Rehan, Ben Cox, and Scott Currie. The objective at this point should be to take a commanding lead at bat as the team would be pleased with the bowling unit’s performance.
49.1 | Bowled him!
Chahal collects a third as he bowls Cox for 25.
Leicestershire 178/7.
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— Northamptonshire CCC (@NorthantsCCC) September 17, 2024
61.1 | Four for Chahal!
He traps Currie in front.
Leicestershire 198/9.
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— Northamptonshire CCC (@NorthantsCCC) September 17, 2024
In the second innings, Northamptonshire got off to a respectable start at bat. Gus Miller and skipper Luke Procter got the side off to a respectable start, scoring 37 and 38 runs, respectively, but Northamptonshire lost wickets frequently, which placed pressure on the team. George Bartlett failed to begin his tally when batting at number three, and James Sales ended the day with 34* runs scored. He had 15 runs without losing, and Keogh provided excellent support.
Also Read: Essex is in control as 19 wickets fall at Edgbaston
On Day 2 of the match, the visitors, who were behind by 69 runs after Day 1, would be looking to make up ground with the bat.
India
