SOM vs WOR: Worcestershire roared into the final of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup with a 131-run (DLS) triumph over Somerset in the semi-final at New Road.
The win was buoyed by Daniel Lategan’s career-high 78 and a brilliant performance from Pakistan seamer Khurram Shahzad, who took 4 for 36. Worcestershire will meet their toughest task yet at Trent Bridge on September 20 after a second unrivalled all-round performance in the SOM vs WOR match.
Daniel Lategan Sets the Platform with a Career-Best 78
Once sent in to bat, Worcestershire compiled a fighting 275 for 9. The innings was founded on a tight opening partnership of 85 runs between Daniel Lategan (78) and captain Brett D’Oliveira (45). Coming up against a disciplined Somerset bowling lineup, Lategan demonstrated composure and shot selection, scoring his first List A fifty.
Despite Jack Leach impressing with tight returns of 2 for 28 in 10 overs, Somerset could not muster consistent pressure. There was support from Ben Green, who took 4 for 52, but late cameos by Henry Cullen (32), Matthew Waite (24), and Tom Taylor (22 not out) who hit three sixes guided Worcestershire to a fighting score.
Khurram Shahzad Wrecks Somerset’s Top Order
Khurram Shahzad brushed aside a wayward beginning to serve up a destruction opening spell. From 0.1-0-6-0, he recovered to post 7-2-36-4.
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Somerset’s pursuit never looked back after early losses:
Tom Lammonby and Lewis Goldsworthy were dismissed attempting to pull Shahzad.
Archie Vaughan was caught spectacularly by Ben Allison at mid-wicket.
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Thomas Rew edged a ball to slip.
With Somerset coming apart at the seams to 108 for 7 in 23.4 overs, rain cut in, but the DLS par score was beyond their reach anyway.
Post-Rain Collapse Ensures Somerset’s Departure
After a lengthy rain delay, Somerset resumed needing an improbable 165 from just 14.2 overs. The pressure mounted as Ethan Brookes quickly removed Kasey Aldridge (caught behind) and Jack Leach (stumped), before James Rew was caught at long-off to end Somerset’s innings at 141 all out.
Key Performers – SOM vs WOR, Metro Bank One-Day Cup
Daniel Lategan (Worcestershire) – 78 (List A best)
Khurram Shahzad (Worcestershire) – 4 for 36
Ben Green (Somerset) – 4 for 52
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Jack Leach (Somerset) – 2 for 28 in 10 overs
Tom Taylor (Worcestershire) – 22* with 3 sixes
Worcestershire to Play Final at Trent Bridge
Worcestershire now aims for the title at Trent Bridge on September 20, after their emphatic victory in the semi-final of the SOM vs WOR Metro One-Day Cup. The all-round performance by Worcestershire, bolstered by Shahzad’s fantastic bowling and Lategan’s top-order stability, makes them a formidable contender for the title.
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