Northamptonshire’s Saif Zaib played a valiant innings of 90 off 144 balls, leading a spirited fightback after a top-order collapse on the opening day of their Vitality Championship match against Derbyshire at Wantage Road.
Despite losing seven wickets for 89 runs soon after lunch, Zaib found crucial support from Justin Broad in a 73-run partnership that helped Northamptonshire post a respectable total of 219. For Derbyshire, all seven bowlers used claimed at least one wicket, with Zak Chappell, Martin Andersson, and Jack Morley taking two apiece.
After winning the toss, Northamptonshire opted to bat first on a surface expected to offer turn. However, their top order struggled against Derbyshire’s bowlers. India international Prithvi Shaw was dismissed for a duck, while Luke Procter and Gus Miller were both trapped lbw. Rob Keogh and James Sales also fell cheaply, leaving Northamptonshire reeling at 89 for 6.
Zaib and Broad then steadied the innings, gradually rebuilding the hosts’ score. Zaib played some elegant shots, including a glorious cover drive off Harry Moore, while Broad provided solid support. They took Northamptonshire past 150 in the 50th over before Broad was dismissed for 39.
Zaib continued to bat resolutely, reaching his half-century off 100 deliveries. He survived a close call for a catch at short leg and responded with a six over long-off off Morley. However, Morley eventually dismissed him for 90, stumped by David Lloyd.
With Northamptonshire nine wickets down, Zaib accelerated, hitting Morley for a four and a six. He was eventually dismissed for 90, stumped by Lloyd.
In reply, Derbyshire openers Luis Reece and Brooke Guest saw their team through to 65 for 1 at the close, trailing by 154 runs. Reece played some fluent shots, while Guest provided solid support. Broad took the only wicket to fall, dismissing Harry Came for 11.
