A vintage display by James Anderson inspired Lancashire to a stunning 20-run victory over Derbyshire on the final day. The 43-year-old, who had retired as England's record Test wicket-taker two seasons ago, claimed four wickets for just 18 runs to propel the Red Rose to victory at Emirates Old Trafford. Derbyshire were chasing a modest target of 138 but were bowled out for 108, with Anderson dismissing key batsmen Martin Andersson, Anuj Dal, Ben Aitchison, and Shoaib Bashir before running out Zak Chappell to seal the win. This victory, Anderson's first as permanent Lancashire captain, lifts the team to second place in Division Two after two matches.
Elsewhere, Surrey's England duo Jamie Smith and Ollie Pope found form in a high-scoring draw against Leicestershire, with both scoring centuries. Defending champions Nottinghamshire secured their first win, beating Glamorgan by 192 runs at Trent Bridge. Sussex became the only team to win two matches from two, chasing down 328 against Warwickshire, with Jack Leaning scoring an unbeaten 120.
Yorkshire's poor start to the season continued with a 214-run loss to Hampshire, while Kent's Ben Compton scored an unbeaten century to secure a draw against Northamptonshire.