Worcestershire powered their way into the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final with a dominant 131-run (DLS) victory over Somerset at New Road. Somerset’s aspirations were crushed as Worcestershire showcased an impressive all-round performance to secure their place at Trent Bridge on 20 September.
After winning the toss, Worcestershire opted to bat first, posting a competitive 275 for 9. Opening batsman Daniel Lategan shone brightest, hitting a career-best 78 in List A cricket, while Brett D’Oliveira contributed a valuable 45. Somerset’s bowlers fought hard, with left-arm spinner Jack Leach delivering an impressive spell of 10 overs, 1 maiden, 28 runs, and 2 wickets. Ben Green also made an impact with figures of 4 for 52.
Chasing a challenging target on a favourable pitch, Somerset’s innings fell apart early. Khurram Shahzad spearheaded the Worcestershire bowling attack, taking 4 wickets for 36 runs as Somerset’s top order folded under pressure. They stumbled to 108 for 7 in 23.4 overs before rain interrupted play, leaving Somerset trailing by over 100 runs on the DLS method.
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After the break, Somerset’s resistance crumbled further, ultimately being bowled out for 141, handing Worcestershire a resounding victory and a place in the final.
Somerset’s decision to field first initially paid off as their bowlers delayed Worcestershire’s breakthrough. Lategan and D’Oliveira forged a strong 85-run opening partnership in the first 15 overs. However, disciplined bowling and strategic field placements eventually forced wickets as batsmen took risks to accelerate.
D’Oliveira was caught at extra cover by Kasey Aldridge, while Kashif Ali was caught on the midwicket boundary thanks to a sharp catch by Finley Hill off Green’s bowling. Jake Libby followed, lofting a catch to mid-off. Lategan displayed maturity beyond his years, scoring a polished maiden List A half-century before being trapped lbw by Leach. The spinner also bowled Rob Jones with a clever delivery.
Late contributions from Henry Cullen (32) and Matthew Waite (24) helped push Worcestershire’s total closer to 275, while Tom Taylor finished in style with 22 not out, smashing three sixes in the final overs.
In Somerset’s reply, Shahzad’s initial wayward deliveries soon gave way to an effective opening spell, dismantling Somerset’s top order. Tom Lammonby and Lewis Goldsworthy fell cheaply trying to play aggressive shots, while Archie Vaughan was smartly caught at mid-wicket by Ben Allison. Thomas Rew’s brief stay ended with an edge to slip.
Worcestershire’s seamers continued to cause havoc, with Waite and Allison taking key wickets to deepen Somerset’s crisis. By the time rain stopped play, Somerset was struggling at 108 for 7.
The restart saw Somerset quickly lose key batsmen Aldridge and Leach. Needing 137 runs from just ten overs with only two wickets remaining, James Rew and Jake Ball’s resistance was short-lived. Rew’s dismissal off Brookes to long off sparked jubilant celebrations from the Worcestershire crowd, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Worcestershire’s clinical performance throughout the match ensured their place in the One-Day Cup final, where they will be strong contenders to claim the title.