Derbyshire v India warm up: India cruise to seven-wicket win

India’s warm-up match against Derbyshire proved to be a cakewalk for the visiting side. India managed to restrict the Falcons to 150-8, backed by good bowling performances from Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik. 

In reply, India chased down the target in 16.4 overs.

This was the first preparatory warm-up India played ahead of the T20i series, which commences on July 7. There are a lot of positives to take away as India displayed a commendable performance, winning the match by seven wickets.  

India inflicted early blows as they removed both openers Shan Masood and Luis Reece inside four overs. However, Derbyshire put together a comeback, thanks to Alex Huges (24 off 17) and Hilton Cartwright (27 off 26). From 88-5, they managed to get to 150 playing the whole quota of 20 overs.

Arshdeep (2 for 29), who didn’t get an opportunity in the T20I series against Ireland, managed to produce a mature performance along with pace bowling sensation Umran Malik (2 for 31). The only other bowler who bowled his full quota was wrist spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who finished the match wicketless.

Axar Patel was economical as always and ended up with 3 for 18 from three overs. Venkatesh Iyer also got the opportunity to bowl, and he picked up a wicket by giving away just 18 runs from his three overs.        

Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad will be disappointed to have lost his wicket early, but in-form players Sanju Samson and Deepak Hooda managed to put together a half-century partnership. After Samson departed for 38 runs, Hooda (59 from 37) partnered up with Suryakumar Yadav for a 78-run partnership. 

Yadav scored a brisk 36 from 22 balls and remained not out alongside skipper Dinesh Karthik who scored 7.  

India will want to replicate their success when they face Northampton for their second warm-up match on Sunday. They will have to ensure everyone gets the opportunity to play and the confidence is high before the real challenge commences.