July 12, 2024

Matthew Waite’s 34-Run Over Powers Worcestershire to Victory – T20

Birmingham Bears suffer a 55-run defeat following a standout all-round performance.

Worcestershire 187 for 6 (Kashif 46, Briggs 2-25) defeated Birmingham 132 (Mousley 68, Waite 4-29) by 55 runs.

Worcestershire Rapids pulled off a stunning upset in the Vitality Blast North Group, a significant T20 cricket tournament, defeating table-toppers Birmingham Bears by 55 runs in a rain-affected 17-over game at Edgbaston. This victory not only boosts the Rapids’ morale but also shakes up the standings in the North Group.

The Rapids set a formidable target of 187 for 6, thanks to significant contributions at both ends of their innings. Kashif Ali, who has been in good form recently, started strong with a lively 46 off 30 balls. At the same time, Matthew Waite, who had a standout performance with 5 for 21 against Leicestershire Foxes the previous night, capped the innings with an explosive 34 off the final over bowled by George Garton. Waite finished unbeaten on 36 from just eight balls, continuing his impressive form.

Despite a challenging start, the Bears’ chase showed resilience. They lost both openers for ducks and ultimately collapsed to 132 all out in 15.2 overs. Dan Mousley (68 off 44) was the lone bright spot. Still, he could not sustain his innings against a disciplined attack spearheaded by Waite (4 for 29) and Tom Taylor (3 for 27).

Riding a wave of momentum with consecutive victories, the Rapids are clinging to a slim chance of reaching the knockout stages. Their recent form has rekindled their hopes, but they face an uphill battle to secure a spot. Meanwhile, despite maintaining a solid overall position in the table, the Bears need to secure additional wins to ensure a home quarter-final. Their recent loss marked their third defeat in 11 matches, underscoring the need for a solid finish to cement their place and avoid slipping down the standings.

Choosing to bat first, the Rapids lost Ed Pollock on the third ball, caught by Sam Hain off Zak Foulkes. Kashif Ali ignited the innings with an impressive six over mid-wicket off Garton and formed a 56-run partnership with Josh Cobb before Cobb was caught off Moeen Ali. Kashif accumulated 30 of his 46 runs through boundaries but was frustrated after edging a wide delivery from Moeen to the wicketkeeper.

Former Bears player Adam Hose, who has a notable record at Edgbaston, managed only eight runs before being caught off Danny Briggs. When Briggs struck again, dismissing Gareth Roderick, the Rapids found themselves in trouble, having lost three wickets in ten balls while needing to accelerate.

The innings picked up pace with Nathan Smith, who scored 33 off 16 balls, and a 52-run partnership with Brookes (30 not out, 19). Waite then took charge, hitting sixes and fours off Garton in a breathtaking final over.

Despite missing Smith, who was injured and required a runner, the Bears’ response began poorly, with both openers dismissed for ducks. Taylor’s initial delivery was comprehensive, followed by a delivery that bowled Alex Davies. Rob Yates then fell to a return catch off Cobb, and when He was bowled by Waite, the Bears were in dire straits at 18 for 3.

Mousley provided a solid performance with a 34-ball half-century, but support was scarce. Moeen was bowled by Waite, and Chris Benjamin’s aggressive 21 off eight balls was ended by a superb catch from Taylor. Jake Bethell was dismissed by Taylor, and with 56 needed from the last two overs, the lower order couldn’t meet the challenge. Waite completed a remarkable day with successive wickets to seal the victory.

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