Farooq Takes 6/77 As Seconds Complete Win Over Glamorgan
Thu 22 Aug 2024
By Pete Johnson
Leicestershire recorded an emphatic nine-wicket victory against Glamorgan on day three of their SEC match at Newport CC.
Day 3 belonged to 17-year-old left-arm spinner Ali Farooq, returned figures of 6-77 in Glamorgan’s second innings. An outstanding performance from the youngster who is a member of Leicestershire’s EPP (Emerging Players Programme).
Glamorgan commenced on their overnight 20-1 (16 overs), Calum Nicholls 11*, Tom Bevan 7*. In the 7th over of the morning Nicholls (17) was caught at the wicket by Jacob Townsend off the bowling of Sam Wood.
County had to wait a further 13 overs for their next success, during which time Bevan went to his 50 (10x4) 83b, and also shared in a 50 partnership (52b) with Zain ul Hassan.
Farooq bowling from the Scoreboard End had the experienced Tom Bevan (67) 83b lbw. Glamorgan 113-3 from 35.5 overs. A quarter of an hour before Lunch, Henry Hurle (13) 24b was caught behind by ‘keeper Townsend off Farooq. Glamorgan into Lunch on 145-4 from 48 overs.
Glamorgan then dug in, and lost only one wicket between Lunch and Tea. ul Hassan went to his 50 (5x4) 89b, shared a 50 partnership with Friend from 109b, and also a 100 partnership from 160b. Friend went to his 50 (6x4/1x6) 93b, the score on 250-4 from 73 overs. Glamorgan trailing by 18 runs.
ul Hassan (97) 159b was dismissed from the very last ball before the new ball became available, when he was caught at the wicket by Townsend from a delivery by Nat Bowley. Bowley being able to empathise with ul Hassan having also been dismissed yesterday just a few runs short of a century. Glamorgan 268-5 from 79.6 overs.
Leicestershire took the new ball immediately it became available. There was only time for three overs before Tea with the new ball, Glamorgan into Tea without losing a further wicket. Glamorgan 282-5, after 83 overs, leading by 14 runs. Friend 68* Lewis Popple 5*.
In the 11th over after Tea, Popple (18) 37b was caught at point by Liam Tew off Farooq. In the next over, without any addition to the score, Friend (84) 163b innings came to a close when he went lbw to Tew.
In the next over Farooq then proceeded to pick up two wickets in an over. Luke Pearson-Taylor (2) 4b went lbw, followed by Aman Rao (0) 4b caught at the wicket by Townsend. Owen Davidson (2*) 5b, and Ben Morris (8) 11b added 10 runs for the last wicket before Farooq aptly finished off the innings by bowling Morris. Glamorgan 327 all out from 99.5 overs.
Leicestershire requiring 60 runs to win from a minimum of 18 overs, plus an extra 30 minutes, if required. A good all round bowling performance from Leicestershire, who were one seamer short today as Julius Sumerauer was unable to bowl due to an injury.
The Foxes knocked off the runs required in 15.4 overs for the loss of one wicket, Jay Madan (1), Sam Evans (31*) 48b and Jamie Dunk (25*) 40b. Dunk ‘taking the biscuit’ with four boundaries to Skipper Evans’ two! The game concluding at 6.40pm. Glamorgan 3 points, Leicestershire 22 points.
‘Keeper Jacob Townsend taking 4 catches. However, special mention must be made of 17-year-old Farooq, who returned figures of 6-77 off 23.5 overs, confidently announcing himself onto the 2nd XI scene, whilst in the embryonic stage of his development.
A full scorecard can be viewed HERE.
