Cricket

Northamptonshire's relentless pursuit of victory culminated in a resounding nine-wicket triumph over Leicestershire at Wantage Road, marking their second consecutive first-class victory in five years.Despite Leicestershire's valiant fightback, spearheaded by Scott Currie's maiden first-class century, Northamptonshire's bowlers, led by Yuzvendra Chahal's five-wicket haul, proved too formidable.Resuming on 69 for four, Leicestershire faced an uphill battle. However, Currie's composed presence and Tom Scriven's aggressive approach ignited a remarkable turnaround. Their 101-run partnership shifted the momentum in Leicestershire's favor.Currie's century, spanning over four hours, was a testament to his resilience and determination. He found able support in Sam Wood, who smashed 57 off 91 balls. Together, they forged a 110-run stand, setting Northamptonshire a target of 137.Northamptonshire's chase began with a setback, but George Bartlett and Luke Procter steadied the ship. Their unbroken 120-run partnership, featuring half-centuries from both batters, sealed the victory.Earlier, Chahal's five-wicket haul and Ben Sanderson's 400th career first-class wicket had dismantled Leicestershire's batting lineup.

Leicestershire's batters, led by Rishi Patel and Scott Currie, fought valiantly to save the game on the third day of the Vitality County Championship match against Gloucestershire at Grace Road.Patel, with his first century of the season, and Currie, playing as a nightwatchman, batted throughout the morning without being parted. Patel, who resumed on 51, played a series of glorious straight drives before reaching his century off 203 deliveries. Currie, meanwhile, remained unmoveable, defending his wicket with solid determination.After lunch, Patel was bowled by Matt Taylor, but Currie remained unbeaten in the afternoon session, reaching a maiden first-class half century. However, Gloucestershire maintained their hopes of enforcing victory on the final day by taking four wickets after tea.Cox was leg before to Middleton, Currie was given leg before to Taylor, and Mike missed a slog at a Price delivery which turned and hit off stump. Price then dismissed Hull leg before to end Leicestershire's innings.In their second innings, Leicestershire openers Patel and Marcus Harris saw the home side through to the close without being parted after Gloucestershire enforced the follow on.Patel's century and Currie's maiden half century were the highlights of a determined batting display by Leicestershire. However, Gloucestershire will need all ten wickets in Leicestershire's second innings to secure victory.