Mattie McKiernan (68) and Hamidullah Qadri (59) struck half-centuries for Derbyshire on Day One of the Second XI friendly against Middlesex at Denby CC.
The pair’s seventh-wicket partnership of 94 helped the hosts to a total of 219 in the first innings against a strong Middlesex side containing the likes of Tim Murtagh (5-25) and Sam Robson.
The visitors made it to the end of the first day without losing a wicket, closing on 13-0, with Robson unbeaten on seven and Nick Gubbins not out on four.
Middlesex won the toss and elected to bowl first at Denby, with Murtagh quickly making his mark by dismissing Jujhar Johal (2) and Jack Redman (2).
Two further wickets fell before lunch, with Derbyshire on 64-4. However, McKiernan helped to stabilise the innings and reached his half-century in 107 balls, including seven fours.
Qadri frustrated the Middlesex bowlers, scoring just 13 from his first 60 deliveries before his scoring accelerated with two boundaries in quick-succession off Harris.
McKiernan fell for 68 shortly before Qadri brought up his half-century in 111 balls, including nine fours as Derbyshire moved closer to the 200 run mark.
Murtagh’s fifth wicket saw James Taylor (1) trapped lbw to bring the hosts’ inning to an end on 219 on Day One.
Robson and Gubbins saw out the day as Middlesex ended it on 13-0, trailing by 206 runs as they prepare to resume on the second morning in Denby.
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