Leicestershire’s cricket team gained a commanding position in their match against Lancashire, thanks to an impressive performance from Rehan Ahmed and Lewis Hill. The pair created a phenomenal alliance, putting together 256 for the third wicket. This remarkable achievement didn’t just create a new championship record for Leicestershire against Lancashire, it broke the first-class record of 165 runs previously held by Ben Slater and Colin Ackermann.
Batting at No6, Rehan Ahmed announced his arrival with a blistering hit of 136 not out to equal England’s fastest side of first-class best. His innings were characterised by him as well finding the gaps with his 14 boundaries and constantly rotating the strike. Ahmed’s partnership with Hill was vital in laying down a tight-knit culture that formed the bedrock for the team. This was evidenced by Lewis Hill’s aggressive 119 that set the tone for either team’s highest total. Perhaps even more impressive, it was his first three-figure score in two seasons.
The partnership between Ahmed and Hill proved crucial in helping Leicestershire reach an imposing 457 runs. The duo put on 130 runs before lunch, handing their side a daunting first innings total. Ahmed and Hill counter-attacked the blades of Lancashire spearhead seamers Tom Bailey and George Balderson. The bowlers failed to rein in the runs sufficiently. Bailey finished with 2-77 and Balderson 3-106.
Ian Holland had a major hand in taking the innings to 164. His calm knock of 50 added notable runs to his team’s total of 299. The combination of Holland, Ahmed, and Hill helped the team secure a substantial lead of 251 runs by the close of play.
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