04 May, 2025 | 08:09 PM
Warwickshire chased down a target of 185 to beat Yorkshire by five wickets at Headingley on day three of their Rothesay County Championship clash, marking their second Division One win of the season.
Set up by a crucial 85 from Beau Webster and a nine-wicket haul in the match for Ethan Bamber, Warwickshire overcame a spirited performance from Yorkshire, which included a 90-run knock from Joe Root, to climb into the division’s top three.
Resuming on 15 without loss, the Bears were made to work for the win. Openers Rob Yates (41) and Alex Davies (31) gave them a steady start, taking the score to 85 for 2, but by lunch they had slipped to 109 for 4, still needing 76.
But debutant Zen Malik, playing his first-class debut, held his nerve with an assured unbeaten 49 off 73 balls. He sealed the victory in style with a pulled six off George Hill, steering Warwickshire home midway through the afternoon session.
Malik shared a key 59-run fifth-wicket stand with Ed Barnard, who added a vital 37 after taking three wickets in each innings and scoring 41 in the first dig. Barnard also entertained late in the chase with a ramped six off Ben Sears, though he fell with just 17 needed.
Yorkshire, meanwhile, were left ruing a missed opportunity to capitalize on the short-term availability of England stars Harry Brook and Joe Root. Root top-scored with 90 in the second innings, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a second loss in four matches, leaving the hosts in the bottom three.
The home side’s bowling let them down on a grassy Headingley pitch that offered plenty to seamers. Overseas debutant Jordan Buckingham struggled, conceding over seven runs an over across the match and taking just two wickets.
Warwickshire’s win was set up on day one when they bowled Yorkshire out for 205 after winning the toss. Bamber was the standout with match figures of 9 for 107, while Webster's 85 helped Warwickshire to a first-innings lead of 48.
The final day began with Davies in aggressive form, striking seven boundaries, including three in a single Hill over. But Yorkshire briefly rallied as Ben Coad bowled Davies with a perfect in-swinger and Buckingham and Thompson claimed timely wickets.
Yates played a measured hand, hitting several boundaries before falling to a rising delivery from Sears that he edged to Root at slip. Thompson then bowled Dan Mousley just before lunch to raise Yorkshire’s hopes.
However, Malik’s composed innings ensured there were no further twists. His driving, shot selection, and calm under pressure belied his inexperience and proved decisive in a chase that had its tense moments.
With this result, Warwickshire built on their earlier win over Durham and continue their push in the Championship, while Yorkshire face early pressure in their campaign.
