Khaled Ahmed’s eight-wicket haul powers Kent to big win

County Championship
Khaled Ahmed
Khaled Ahmed
Online Desk
Online Desk
Bangladesh pacer Khaled Ahmed produced a superb bowling performance to claim eight wickets in the match as Kent secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over Lancashire in the County Championship.

Khaled took five wickets in Lancashire’s first innings before adding three more in the second, playing a key role in putting Kent in control at St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury.

Kent resumed the third morning on 84 for two, with Sam Northeast and Tawanda Muyeye at the crease. The pair put together a 77-run partnership before Lancashire pacer Tom Bailey ended Muyeye’s stay.

Muyeye was trapped lbw by a fine delivery from Bailey after scoring 43 off 44 balls, with seven fours.

However, Northeast and Kent captain Daniel Bell-Drummond ensured there were no further setbacks. The duo guided Kent to victory without losing another wicket.

Northeast fell just short of a half-century, remaining unbeaten on 48. Bell-Drummond finished on 19 not out from 43 balls. Two consecutive boundaries from the Kent captain sealed the victory, denying Northeast the chance to reach his fifty.

Earlier, Khaled struck in the second over of Lancashire’s second innings.

The right-arm seamer found an edge with a delivery that moved away from the batter, with Jack Crawley taking the catch at first slip. Khaled had already bowled a maiden in the opening over.

Marcus Harris had provided Lancashire with some resistance with the bat, scoring 48 from 74 balls. But Khaled removed the left-hander with another delivery that left the off stump.

Harris initially considered playing at the ball before withdrawing his bat at the last moment, but he was too late. The resulting edge flew to Crawley at first slip.

Khaled then dismissed Arav Shethik, who edged another excellent delivery through to the wicketkeeper.

The Bangladesh pacer finished the second innings with three wickets for 52 runs from 15 overs, taking his match tally to eight wickets and helping Kent complete a comprehensive victory.

Read more: