Zaib Leads Northants Recovery in Championship Match vs Middlesex

Saif Zaib has had a standout week for Northamptonshire, surpassing 5,000 runs across all formats and scoring his fourth first-class century of the season during the County Championship Division Two match against Middlesex at Wantage Road. Zaib's unbeaten 83 helped guide Northants to 308 for 5 at stumps, recovering from a precarious 132 for 4, with a crucial 111-run unbroken partnership alongside Lewis McManus. Middlesex posted a strong total of 413, bolstered by Joe Cracknell's overnight century and career-best bowling figures of 7-94 by Liam Guthrie for Northants. Middlesex spinners, particularly Zafar Gohar, played a significant role by taking multiple wickets and stifling Northants' progress, yet Zaib's consistent form has been instrumental in keeping his team competitive. Northants head coach Darren Lehmann supports an aggressive approach to chasing targets, reflecting Zaib's positive batting mindset. The match has highlighted Zaib's emergence as one of Northamptonshire's most reliable performers, aiming to lead his team to a championship win.