Shai Hope’s 14th first class half century in the second innings was not enough to secure victory for Yorkshire as the White Roses fell to a three-wicket loss to Leicestershire at Headingley in one of the biggest shocks in County Championship history.
Hope top scored for the White Roses in their second innings with 83 as Yorkshire sportingly declared on 286-8 to leave Leicestershire chasing 389 for victory. They would reach 392-7 with seven balls to spare to secure their first win against Yorkshire since 1910.
The Barbadian brought back memories of his twin tons at Headingley in 2017 on day three with his serene stroke play amidst the troubling situation in which he found himself. Arriving at the crease at 29-3, the wicketkeeper batsman displayed impeccable technique to navigate the moving ball and then press home the advantage.
Leading the charge in reply was opener Rishi Patel whose 125 from 205 balls made his side believe victory was possible.
Pick of the bowlers was Dominic Bess with 5-158 from 32 overs. In a marathon spell without due return Bess swung momentum back to the hosts after the seamers toiled on a surface not providing purchase.
With seven balls left in the day, Chris Wright upper cut a tired Jordan Thompson bouncer over Hope to the boundary to seal Leicestershire’s third-highest successful chase in their history.
Up next for Yorkshire is a trip to the Bristol Cricket Ground to play Gloucestershire. Leicestershire will face Derbyshire at their home ground Grace Road.
Summarised Scores:
Yorkshire 517 (Malan 132, Bean 118) and 286 for 8 dec (Hope 83, Hill 67, Wharton 52, Hull 3-68). Leicestershire 415 (Handscomb 112, Rehan 85, Milnes 3-72, Thompson 3-86) and 392 for 7 (Patel125, Ackermann 72, Handscomb 68*, Bess 5-158. Leicestershire won by three wickets.
