Northamptonshire’s leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal produced a match-winning performance to guide his team to their first Vitality County Championship victory of the season against Derbyshire. Chahal’s career-best match figures of 9 for 99 played a pivotal role in Northamptonshire’s 133-run triumph.
Resuming their second innings on 178 for 5, Northamptonshire added 33 runs to their overnight score, with Rob Keogh contributing a valuable 63. Derbyshire’s bowlers, led by Jack Morley’s three wickets, managed to dismiss the hosts for 211.
Chasing a target of 266, Derbyshire’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Chahal’s spin. The Indian international claimed four wickets in the second innings, including the crucial dismissal of Luis Reece, who was trapped lbw playing for turn.
Keogh provided excellent support to Chahal, taking 5 for 44 to complete a match haul of 8 for 110. The off-spinner’s wickets included the dangerous Aneurin Donald, who was caught behind by Lewis McManus.
Despite a valiant effort from Wayne Madsen, who remained unbeaten on 48, Derbyshire’s batting order failed to mount a significant challenge. Morley’s late resistance was eventually broken by Keogh, who bowled him for 22.
Chahal’s match-winning performance was a testament to his skill and experience. The Indian spinner’s ability to extract turn and variation from the pitch proved too much for Derbyshire’s batsmen.
Northamptonshire’s victory is a significant boost to their hopes of climbing out of the relegation zone in Division Two. Derbyshire, on the other hand, remain rooted to the bottom of the table after their third defeat of the season.
