CHESTERFIELD: Pakistan’s right-handed batter Haider Ali scored a fighting century for Derbyshire in the ongoing County Championship 2023.

Haider Ali, who had a disappointing start to his County Championship and T20 Blast campaign, continued to regain his rhythm and backed to his absolute best in Derbyshire’s fixture against Yorkshire.

Derbyshire were in heaps of trouble when Haider Ali came out to bat. The side was four down for just 17 runs in the second innings while trailing a further 225 runs as they were bowled out for a skimpy 111 in the first innings while Yorkshire piled 353.

The top-order collapse gave Yorkshire a sniff on a comfortable victory, however, Haider Ali, alongside skipper Leus du Plooy soon spoiled their plans.

The pair of Haider and du Plooy frustrated Yorkshire bowlers and put on an astounding 231-run partnership for the fifth wicket with the Pakistan batter scoring his maiden century of his County Championship career.

Haider Ali scored at a brisk strike rate of 82 and scored a brilliant century. He scored 129 off 156 deliveries, smashing 21 boundaries and two sixes during the course of a magnificent century.

His opening partner Leus du Plooy, however, batted cautiously and was just four short of his well-deserved when the umpire called for the stumps.

Derbyshire skipper scored 96 not out off 166 deliveries, laced up with 14 boundaries.

The wonderful fifth-wicket partnership between Haider Ali and Leus du Plooy saved Derbyshire from an innings defeat as their 225-run stand put Mickey Arthur’s side into the lead.

Haider Ali and du Plooy will now resume Derbyshire’s second innings from 248/4 and will be hoping to stretch their overnight stand to further strengthen their side’s grasp on the match.

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