MCC Young Cricketers scored heavily to take control against Derbyshire on Day Two of their Second XI Championship match at High Wycombe CC.
After Derbyshire had declared on 449-8 overnight, the hosts fought back and scored at five runs an over to end Day Two in a strong position on 527-4.
The Young Crickters opened with a first-wicket partnership of 62, before Charlie Hartley and Sam Conners struck to reduce the home side to 81-2.
However, wicketkeeper-batsman Imtiaz came to the crease to steady the ship and forge strong partnerships with Kashif Ali (83) and Marc Lezar. Imitiaz’s partnership with Ali was worth 160 runs before James Sykes got the breakthrough to remove the latter in the 47th over of the day.
Imtiaz continued to hit boundaries and score quickly alongside Lezar, combining for a 196-run partnership as the former hit 173 from 232 balls before Charlie Hartley returned to take his second wicket of the day.
Lezar remains unbeaten on 144 overnight alongside Jonty Jenner who is also 46 not out as the hosts closed with a 78-run lead.
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