Colin Ackermann scored 118 off 177 balls for Leicestershire in a high-scoring stalemate with Derbyshire in the County Championship.
Leicestershire had first use of a wicket that was clearly a batsman’s paradise. Ackerman shared in a 175-run stand with Mark Cosgrove (188) for the third wicket. Ackerman’s innings was laden with boundaries as he struck 17 fours and a six.
For the Warriors batsman, it was a continuation of the fine form he showed in his previous match where he notched 89 against Kent.
In reply, Derbyshire amassed 533 runs to hand the visitors a first-innings lead of 86 runs. Leicestershire then extended their lead to 303 runs before declaring. Too much time had been taken out of the game by the marathon first innings of both teams, however, as the match ended in a draw.
Kent vs Sussex
Elsewhere, a trio of South Africans shone for Kent and Sussex respectively. Vernon Philander (3-78) and David Wiese (3-54) were instrumental in restricting Kent to 369 in their first innings. Wiese then produced the goods with the bat though his 72-ball 36 (five fours) and Stiaan van Zyl’s 31 were not enough to prevent Sussex from folding for just 164.
Kent’s Sean Dickson (74) then drove home his side’s advantage as his 172-run opening stand with Daniel Bell-Drummond laid the foundation for Kent who set the visitors a target of 503. Philander’s 73 (twelve fours, one six) and Van Zyl’s 78 (13 fours, one six) were in vain as Sussex slumped to a 147-run defeat.
Scorecard
Hampshire vs Somerset
Kolpak player, Kyle Abbott showed off his ability with the willow as his 54-ball 49 (three fours, four sixes) was the standout performance in a disappointing first innings of 162 for Hampshire. Abbott then delivered a fine performance with the ball, returning figures of 4-49.
Dean Elgar (60) rescued a floundering Somerset innings to ensure a 35-run lead for the hosts.
For the second time in the match, Abbott delivered with the bat as his score of 33 along with Gareth Berg’s 49 off 39 balls helped Hampshire post 293 in their second innings and set Somerset 258 runs for victory.
In pursuit of victory, Elgar’s second consecutive score of 60 (nine fours) was not enough as Somerset slid to a 90-run defeat.
