Pakistan pacer Akif Javed starred in Derbyshire’s final Vitality Blast game, returning with career-best figures of 4/23. His efforts were complemented by captain Aneurin Donald’s blistering 91 as Derbyshire signed off their campaign with a convincing win over Leicestershire.
Akif leads Derbyshire’s charge with the ball
Asked to bowl first, Derbyshire made an ideal start by removing three batters inside the powerplay and continued to strike at regular intervals. Leicestershire’s Ashton Turner attempted to revive the innings with a fighting 79 off 43 balls.
Turner, the only Leicestershire batter to cross 35, took Pakistan spinner Sufiyan Muqeem apart for 21 runs in an over, including three sixes. But Akif had the perfect response, forcing Turner to mistime a shot to mid-on, where Ross Whiteley completed the catch.
Leicestershire could only manage 171 runs from their 20 overs, a target Derbyshire’s batters chased down comfortably.
Donald’s fireworks seal the chase
With teammate Wayne Madsen playing the final match of his Derbyshire career, the hosts ensured he signed off with a victory.
There was little stopping Donald, who smashed Josh Hull for 20 runs in the second over. By the end of the powerplay, Derbyshire had raced to 80/1, with Donald already bringing up his half-century.
The onslaught continued before a brief slowdown. Donald tried to lift the scoring again, hitting Rehan Ahmed for two sixes, but the leg-spinner had the final say by dismissing the Derbyshire captain.
The damage, however, had already been done. Although Madsen departed cheaply, Derbyshire were well within reach of the target. They completed the chase with seven wickets in hand and 33 balls to spare.
ALSO READ:
https://www.ipl.com/cricket/news/sarfaraz-upbeat-rizwan-would-fare-well-in-the-upcoming-test-tours/