Cricket

Leicestershire Foxes kicked off their Metro Bank One-Day Cup title defense with a thrilling victory over Notts Outlaws, despite a dramatic rain interruption.The Foxes posted an impressive 369 for 6, led by captain Lewis Hill's 81 and Sol Budinger's 75. Ajinkya Rahane, making his debut for Leicestershire, contributed a fluent 71. Ben Cox and Ben Mike provided a late surge with some big hitting.Nottinghamshire's chase was initially halted by rain, leaving them stranded on 50 without loss. After a two-and-a-half-hour delay, the Outlaws were given a revised target of 105 from 3.5 overs.The visitors attempted a daring strategy by retiring Ben Slater and Freddie McCann in favor of Jack Haynes and Tom Moores. However, Haynes was dismissed first ball, followed by Lyndon James. Liam Patterson-White and Matt Montgomery also fell cheaply.Moores briefly threatened with four boundaries in four balls off Ben Mike, but the Outlaws ultimately fell 16 runs short. Tom Scriven was the pick of the Leicestershire bowlers with 3 for 20.The Foxes' batting performance was a positive sign, with Budinger delivering a measured innings and Rahane showcasing his quality. The Indian Test star's dismissal to a wide full toss from James was a surprise, but Cox and Mike's late sixes provided a strong finish.James took three wickets for the Outlaws, but his expensive spell of 105 runs proved costly. Chris Wright, returning from suspension, bowled his first competitive overs of the season.

Leicestershire's Peter Handscomb continued his impressive form with a second century of the season, guiding his team to a respectable 280 for five in response to Glamorgan's 387 on day two of their Vitality County Championship clash.Handscomb, who has been in scintillating touch this season, remained unbeaten on 102, anchoring Leicestershire's innings with a composed knock. He shared a crucial 141-run stand with captain Lewis Hill, who contributed a valuable 92.Glamorgan, however, remain in a strong position, holding a 107-run lead and the advantage of bowling with a new ball. Scott Currie had earlier claimed the first five-wicket haul of his first-class career, finishing with impressive figures of five for 64.Leicestershire's chase got off to a shaky start, losing Marcus Harris and Louis Kimber cheaply. Rishi Patel's dismissal left them struggling at 65 for three. However, Hill and Handscomb steadied the ship, weathering a testing spell from Mir Hamza.Hill reached his second half-century of the season, while Handscomb followed suit shortly after. The pitch appeared to flatten out, making batting easier. Hill's dismissal for 92, caught by Billy Root, was a setback for Leicestershire.Ian Holland, making his debut for Leicestershire, helped push the score past the follow-on point. However, he was caught behind after the new ball was taken.Glamorgan's bowlers will be eager to make early inroads on day three, while Leicestershire will aim to build on their solid start and reduce the deficit further.