WATCH: Yuzvendra Chahal picks four as Northamptonshire restrict Leicestershire to 203 runs in first innings

Yuzvendra Chahal picked up four wickets as Northamptonshire restricted Leicestershire to 203 runs in the first innings. The India leg-spinner is currently not in BCCI’s scheme of things as far as red-ball cricket is concerned but he has done a terrific job in the ongoing County Championship. The 34-year-old picked up a five-for and a four-for in the last match against Derbyshire and managed to keep up with the intent against Leicestershire.

Chahal worked in tandem with fellow spinner Rob Keogh and the duo picked up seven wickets in the first innings. They played a vital role in helping Northamptonshire pick up their maiden win in the County Championship Division II last week and against Leicestershire, they managed to put Northamptonshire in a very good position. 

Notably, Leicestershire opener Rishi Patel departed without opening his tally but the other opener Sol Budinger played an important knock of 56 runs. Captain Lewis Hill and Rehan Ahmed played important cameos of 32 and 30 runs respectively but until then the Chahal and Keogh show had already begun.

17.3 | Straight into the action! 👏

Yuzi Chahal strikes with his third ball of the morning, bowling Holland round his legs. 💪

Leicestershire 45/2.

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— Northamptonshire CCC (@NorthantsCCC) September 17, 2024

39.4 | Yuzi gets Rehan Ahmed! 🌀

It's one big shot too many for Ahmed as he picks out Procter.

Leicestershire 139/6.

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— Northamptonshire CCC (@NorthantsCCC) September 17, 2024

The India international picked up the wickets of Ian Holland, Rehan, Ben Cox and Scott Currie in the match while Keogh sent Hill, Tom Scriven and Sam Wood back to the pavilion. The team would be happy with the performance of the bowling unit and the goal now should be to take a healthy lead with the bat.

49.1 | Bowled him! ☝️

Chahal collects a third as he bowls Cox for 25. 💪

Leicestershire 178/7.

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— Northamptonshire CCC (@NorthantsCCC) September 17, 2024

61.1 | Four for Chahal! 4️⃣

He traps Currie in front. 🙌

Leicestershire 198/9.

Watch live 👉 https://t.co/CU8uwteMyd pic.twitter.com/5yyBQ0YrIk

— Northamptonshire CCC (@NorthantsCCC) September 17, 2024

Northamptonshire had a decent start with the bat in the second innings. Openers Gus Miller and captain Luke Procter gave a decent start as they scored 37 and 38 runs respectively but Northamptonshire lost wickets at regular intervals, which put the team under some pressure. Batting at three, George Bartlett failed to open his tally while James Sales finished the day with 34* runs on board. Keogh supported him well as he remained unbeaten on 15 runs. 

The visitors were trailing by 69 runs after Day 1 and will be hoping to turn things around with the bat on Day 2 of the match.