Leicestershire showcased their dominance in the County Championship Division Two with a resounding 189-run victory over Derbyshire at the Central Co-op County Ground in Derby. The star of the match was undoubtedly Rehan Ahmed, whose extraordinary performance with the ball left Derbyshire struggling to keep up.

Match Highlights

• Rehan Ahmed took 7-93 in the second innings, finishing with match figures of 13-144. This made him the first Leicestershire player since Fred Geeson in 1901 to take more than 12 wickets and score a century in the same game.
• Leicestershire declared their second innings at 236-9, setting Derbyshire a daunting target of 446.
• Derbyshire put up a valiant fight, with Zak Chappell scoring 50 and Alex Thomson contributing 55, but they were eventually bowled out for 256.

Key Moments

1. Ahmed's Brilliance: Ahmed's consistent bowling from the City End kept the pressure on Derbyshire. He claimed crucial wickets, including that of Brooke Guest (32) and Blair Tickner.
2. Late Resistance: The last-wicket partnership between Thomson and Jack Morley (12) delayed the inevitable, surviving 156 balls before Ian Holland broke through.
3. Final Blow: Holland's third ball in his spell was edged by Thomson, and Rishi Patel took a stunning one-handed catch at slip to seal the victory.

Impact on the Championship

This win solidifies Leicestershire's position at the top of the table, now 34 points clear of second-placed Glamorgan. Derbyshire, despite the loss, showed resilience and dropped to third place.

Conclusion

Rehan Ahmed's all-round brilliance was the cornerstone of Leicestershire's success. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning spells makes him a key player as they push for promotion. Derbyshire, while defeated, can take pride in their fighting spirit.

Report supplied by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay.