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Tahir spins Derbyshire to third victory

Thursday 28th September 2017
Written by Danny Painter

Imran Tahir took 5-76 as Derbyshire beat Gloucestershire by 157 runs to claim a third Specsavers County Championship victory on a thrilling final day of the season.

Gloucestershire declared overnight to leave all results possible on the last day at Bristol. Derbyshire declared in reply after adding a quick-fire 144 to set the hosts 381 to win from 80 overs.

Hunting ten wickets, Harry Podmore got the visitors off to a great start before Tahir and Matt Critchley wrapped up victory in the final session and end the 2017 season on a high.

Gary Wilson said: “It’s great to finish with another win, it really is. In fact we were unlucky at Notts, so we might have finished the season with four compared with no wins last season.

“It’s hard for me to talk about last season because I wasn’t at the club. However, I can say that I am looking forward to next season. Hopefully with a couple of signings we will be able to build on this.”

He added: “I thought Imran bowled really well. It’s easy to see why he has played for so many good sides around the world.”

Ben Slater (74 not out) and Luis Reece (61 not out) put on an unbeaten 144 inside 14 overs, setting up an exciting chase with 80 overs left in the day at The Brightside Ground.

Podmore didn’t have to wait long for his first of two wickets, Benny Howell (5) caught behind by the outstretched Harvey Hosein in the fourth over. Soon after he had his second, Chris Dent also caught behind and both openers gone.

Once James Bracey (44) and George Hankins (48) were out to Tahir before tea, the hopes of a successful chase for the hosts was fading. Jack Taylor was lbw to the leg spinner for three and Gloucestershire quickly slumped to 147-5, with Derbyshire halfway to victory.

Kieran Noema-Barnett hit out and reached 30 off just 20 balls, but he was caught by Will Davis off Wayne Madsen with the hosts still requiring over 200 to win. The last top-order batsman, Phil Mustard, was bowled by Critchley for 37 to put Derbyshire on the verge of victory after tea.

David Payne followed four overs later without scoring, caught by Madsen as Critchley claimed his second.

Buoyed by the quick wickets and on a pitch that was turning, Tahir wrapped up the victory from the other end, removing Josh Shaw (1) and Matt Taylor (7) in the space of 14 balls.

Click HERE to view scorecard.

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