Imam-ul-Haq’s Second Straight Century Leads Yorkshire to Roses Victory

In-form Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq struck his second consecutive century to guide Yorkshire to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Lancashire in the latest Metro Bank One-Day Cup Roses clash.

Chasing 295 for victory in front of a sell-out crowd of 4,500 at Clifton Park, Yorkshire made light work of the target, reaching 295 for 3 with 19 balls to spare. Imam top-scored with a composed 117 off 124 deliveries, anchoring the innings in a dominant second-wicket stand worth 153 alongside Will Luxton, who added an aggressive 77 off 63.

The win extends Yorkshire’s perfect start to the One-Day Cup campaign, maintaining their position at the top of Group B with three wins from three. It also ended Lancashire’s unbeaten streak, who had won one and seen another match abandoned due to weather.

Lancashire had earlier posted 294 for 7, built around a sparkling 102 from 88 balls by Michael Jones. The Ormskirk-born opener, now back with Lancashire after a stint at Durham, brought up his century off 79 balls, peppering the boundaries with seven sixes and offering a strong platform alongside skipper Marcus Harris (32).

However, Yorkshire’s bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs. Seamer Jack White claimed 2 for 66 and helped peg back Lancashire after Jones’ dismissal at 136 for 3. Despite a brisk 70 from George Balderson at the death, the visitors were kept under the 300-mark in favourable batting conditions.

In reply, Yorkshire suffered an early blow as Tom Bailey removed Adam Lyth for 8. But Luxton responded by taking 18 off Will Williams’ first four balls, igniting the chase. Yorkshire cruised past 100 in the 20th over, with Imam reaching his third fifty in as many games shortly thereafter.

Luxton fell in the 30th over miscuing a shot off spinner Charlie Barnard, but the damage had been done. Imam carried on, bringing up his century with a pulled six off Bailey — his fourth List A hundred in successive matches — before falling for 117, caught at midwicket off the spin of Arav Shetty.

James Wharton (41*) and Matthew Revis (41*) ensured there were no late stumbles, adding an unbroken 75 for the fourth wicket to take Yorkshire comfortably over the line.

Imam now leads the One-Day Cup run charts with 331 runs and continues to be the standout performer of the tournament.

Match Summary
Lancashire: 294 for 7 (Jones 102, Balderson 70, White 2-66)
Yorkshire: 295 for 3 (Imam-ul-Haq 117, Luxton 77, Shetty 1-35)
Yorkshire won by 7 wickets