Rehan Ahmed [Source: @AatifNawaz/X.com]
Young England leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed produced a remarkable all-round performance for Leicestershire against Derbyshire, following his vital century on Day One with a six-wicket haul on Day Two of their County Championship fixture.
After rescuing his side from 0-2 with a counter-attacking hundred, Rehan Ahmed dismantled Derbyshire's batting lineup, taking 6-51 to bowl them out for 189. This gave Leicestershire a commanding 209-run first-innings lead.
Ahmed's Century Rescue Act!
Ahmed's promotion up the order this season continues to pay dividends. His century against Derbyshire was his fourth in the Championship this summer, lifting his season average to 47.30 and making him Leicestershire's second-highest red-ball run-scorer.
Alongside Lewis Hill and Peter Handscomb, both of whom are centurions as well, Ahmed steered the visitors from peril at 0-2 to 360-3. However, a dramatic collapse saw Leicestershire lose their last 7 wickets for 38 runs, dismissed for 398. Remarkably, only the three centurions reached double figures.
Ahmed Then Shines With The Ball!
Ahmed’s brilliance wasn’t confined to his batting heroics. After Derbyshire built a solid platform with a century stand for the second wicket between Caleb Jewell and Harry Came, it was Ahmed who turned the game on its head.
He first broke the partnership by getting Came caught at cover. In his very next over, he removed the experienced Wayne Madsen, followed by trapping Jewell lbw in the over that came after, three wickets in three successive overs. His fiery spell continued as he had Aneurin Donald caught behind and then bowled Luis Reece to complete his maiden five-wicket haul of the season.
This spell almost doubled his season wicket tally. Despite bowling only around 60 overs prior to this match (often used sparingly), his season bowling average is an exceptional 16.07. His final figures were 6-51 off 20 overs, skittling Derbyshire for 189.