Warwickshire strengthened their position at the top of the Division Two table with an eight-wicket win over Derbyshire on the final day at Edgbaston.
Requiring 89 for victory, Warwickshire resumed on the last morning on 19-1 and Ian Bell set the tone for closing out of victory by driving the first ball sweetly through the covers for three.
Matt Critchley did claim an early wicket removing Dom Sibley lbw for seven – his 50th wicket for Derbyshire in all formats – but this didn’t falter Warwickshire’s charge to victory.
Ex-England batsmen Bell (34 not out) and Jonathon Trott (35 not out) batted with control and great skill to see their side to the victory target for the loss of only two wickets.
Duanne Olivier ended the match with five wickets (5-162), while Critchley took four (4-99).
Derbyshire were left to reflect upon match which ultimately brought defeat but in which they competed for long periods to suggest they are capable of sustaining their bright start to the season. They take five points from the fixture.
Billy Godleman’s men are back in action on Friday when they welcome Durham to The 3aaa County Ground for the start of the four-day fixture.
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