Haider Ali smashes maiden century for Derbyshire in County Championship

Haider Ali delivered an exceptional performance for Derbyshire in the County Championship, smashing his first century for the county. Initially, Derbyshire struggled, being dismissed for a mere 111 runs in the first innings, with Haider himself getting out without scoring. However, a remarkable partnership between Haider Ali and Leus du Plooy changed the course of the match.

Coming together when Derbyshire was reeling at 17-4 in their second innings, after Yorkshire had posted a commanding total of 353 runs in their first innings, Haider and du Plooy displayed an unyielding display of batting. They defied the Yorkshire attack and formed an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership, accumulating a record-breaking 231 runs off 311 deliveries.

Haider, who had been moved down the batting order, proved to be an inspired decision by Derbyshire. He launched a counter-attack, putting Yorkshire on the back foot. Haider took on the spinners, particularly targeting Dominic Bess, driving him for sixes and dispatching him for boundaries. His aggressive strokeplay, along with du Plooy's solid batting, lifted Derbyshire's spirits and gave them hope of turning the match around.

Despite Yorkshire's attempts to slow down the scoring rate, Haider and du Plooy continued to dominate the proceedings. Haider reached his outstanding century, displaying skill and determination, while also maintaining a blistering scoring rate. He unleashed a flurry of boundaries, taking the attack to the Yorkshire bowlers and piling on the pressure.

Haider Ali scores his maiden century in the #LVCountyChamp!

Watch all 18 of his boundaries as he reached the milestone for @DerbyshireCCC#LVCountyChamp pic.twitter.com/UQ2KiIx4uv

— LV= Insurance County Championship (@CountyChamp) June 12, 2023

Ultimately, the partnership between Haider Ali and Leus du Plooy propelled Derbyshire to a total of 248 for four, securing a slender lead of six runs. Unfortunately, play was interrupted by bad light and an electrical storm, forcing an early end to the second day's play with 10 overs remaining.

On the third day, Haider, who is not out on 129 runs, and Leus du Plooy, who is unbeaten on 96 runs, will resume their innings.