Rehan Ahmed and Handscomb Pile on the Agony as Leicestershire Dominate Lancashire

Rehan Ahmed and Handscomb Pile on the Agony as Leicestershire Dominate Lancashire

Leicestershire seized complete control on Day 3 of their County Championship clash against Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford, with a superb century from Rehan Ahmed and a commanding unbeaten 142 from Peter Handscomb powering them to a mammoth 491 for 8 declared.

In reply to Lancashire’s first-innings total of 263, the visitors established a commanding 228-run lead before reducing the hosts to a precarious 16 for 3 by the close of play. With one day remaining, Lancashire are staring down the barrel and will need a combination of resilience and favourable weather to avoid defeat.

Rehan Sparkles Before Handscomb Takes Charge

The morning belonged to 20-year-old Rehan Ahmed, who continued his remarkable form as an opener this season. Resuming on 38 overnight, he brought up the second century of his first-class career in style—reaching the landmark off 147 balls with 14 boundaries. He now averages an impressive 67.66 as an opener this season.

However, his joy was short-lived as he was dismissed just two balls after reaching his ton, caught at silly mid-off for exactly 100 off Tom Hartley. Ian Holland soon followed, miscuing a pull to mid-on for 35 off John Turner.

From there, the middle order consolidated under the steady guidance of Handscomb. He and Lewis Hill added 130 runs for the fourth wicket, with Hill contributing a composed 64 before holing out to midwicket off George Balderson.

Handscomb, who anchored the innings, reached his century—his 27th in first-class cricket—off 170 deliveries, striking 10 fours. He continued to shepherd the tail, sharing a brisk sixth-wicket stand of 66 with Ben Cox (31), as Leicestershire surged past 400 to claim a fourth batting bonus point.

Lancashire in Deep Trouble Once Again

Leicestershire's total of 491 for 8 declared is their highest ever at Old Trafford and just two runs short of their record against Lancashire. The declaration gave them a massive 228-run cushion and left Lancashire with a tricky final session to navigate.

It went from bad to worse for the home side, who lost three wickets in the final eight overs. Ian Holland bowled Keaton Jennings for a second-ball duck, then trapped nightwatchman Anderson Phillip lbw for two. Logan van Beek added to the misery, bowling Michael Jones for four with a delivery that kept low.

Lancashire closed on 12 for 3, trailing by 212 runs and facing the daunting prospect of batting out Day 4 to salvage a draw—much like they did in their previous outing on this ground. With grim weather on the horizon, local fans may already be looking to the skies for salvation.

Brief Scores:
Lancashire 263 & 12/3 (Holland 2-6, van Beek 1-10)
Leicestershire 491/8 dec (Handscomb 142, Rehan 100, Turner 2-44)*

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