Yuzvendra Chahal Picks Up a Five-wicket Haul on his Debut for Northamptonshire Steelbacks: WATCH

Yuzvendra Chahal made a sensational debut for the Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the One-Day Cup. The leg-spinner picked up five wickets to set his team’s nine-wicket win over Kent Spitfires in Canterbury. Surprisingly, his signing with the Northants was announced just an hour before his debut.

Chahal, who was a part of India’s victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup, decimated Kent’s batting line-up, grabbing five for 14 in his 10 overs to bundle them out for 82 in 35.1 overs. His victims included Jaydn Denly (22), Ekansh Singh (10), Grant Stewart (1), Beyers Swanepoel (1), and Nathan Gilchrist (6).

Chasing the total, the tourists got the job done easily, scoring 86 for one in 14 overs. Playing their last game of the event, the Northants registered their maiden win of the season. Having lost their previous six contests, they finished eighth in the nine-team Group A table, missing out on the quarterfinals berth.

Besides his One-Day Cup fixture, Chahal will also play the team’s remaining five matches in the County Championship Division Two.

Northamptonshire said on their website that the 34-year-old Indian spinner, who was a part of the country’s victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup, will link up with the squad on Wednesday ahead of their trip to Canterbury to play against Kent.

“Northamptonshire County Cricket Club are delighted that Indian international Yuzvendra Chahal will join the club for the final One-Day Cup match at Kent and the remaining five County Championship fixtures,” Northamptonshire said in a statement.

“Also previously an India youth international in the sport of chess, Chahal spent time at Kent in the 2023 season, taking nine wickets in two of their three Division One matches of the campaign,” it added.

“Yuzvendra is another high-profile overseas player who brings with him a wealth of experience and some incredible skills. His record speaks for itself and his wicket-taking ability will add strength to our attack,” said Northamptonshire head coach John Sadler.

Northamptonshire are currently placed seventh in the eight-team County Division Two points table with seven draws and two defeats in nine matches, whereas in the One-Day Cup also the club has had a tough season so far with one win and six defeats keeping them at the eighth position in Group A.