Worcestershire‘s victory at Trent Bridge in the 2025 List A final was more than a win for them after years. It was overwhelming, bringing the team to a high after experiencing all the uncertainty and delay, and dreadful memories of loss from an individual.
They claimed their first, and only, List A title in 1994. The championship comes precisely a year after the tragic loss of young spinner Josh Baker, whose death has deeply affected the Club, players, supporters, and their fans.
The Dramatic Finale: Rain Delays and Uncertainty
The Hampshire game was tense in the end. Dark clouds loomed over Trent Bridge and the weather forecast promised to bring play to a stop, so neither side knew when, or indeed if, the game would be finished. Worcesters kept Hampshire to 237 for 7, but the rain delay meant that the target for Worcestershire was revised to 251 from 45 overs, then 188 from 27 overs.
The pursuit was initiated 21 minutes before the 5:36 pm deadline for the minimum 20 overs, further creating suspense. The ECB had not yet indicated if play would carry over into Sunday if a shorter second innings was needed. Uncertainty only added to the pressure, yet the players at Worcestershire maintained their concentration despite the odds.
Ethan Brookes’ Heroics and the Turning Point
With the game rolling on, the unpredictability did not fade. Worcestershire captain Jake Libby, who had strategized for a 50-over game, watched the momentum shift in favor of Hampshire upon his dismissal and the loss of Ethan Brookes, who was caught by Hampshire’s Scott Currie in the penultimate over. Currie had impressed, taking a maiden List A five-wicket haul.
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But Brookes’ work was not in vain. The 57 runs he scored off 34 balls kept Worcestershire in contention, giving the team hope of winning. His attacking stroke play, which consisted of five fours and four sixes, put the match back in favor of Worcestershire.
Libby remembered Brookes’ words prior to his explosive knock and said, “Ethan came out to me and said, ‘I’m gonna try and do something special here.'” Brookes’ determination and timing proved crucial to Worcestershire’s eventual victory.
Matthew Waite’s Match-Winning Six
With Worcestershire needing 93 runs off 61 deliveries, the pressure was on. But the match turned once more due to Matthew Waite, who hit a miraculous first-ball six over long-on to secure the win. Waite’s level head under pressure, and his level head in landing a match-winning blow, cemented his place as a hero of Worcestershire on that historic night.
Worcestershire’s Heartfelt Tribute to Josh Baker
For the team, this win was far more than just cricket. It was a testament to their late team mate, Josh Baker, whose death in 2024 at the age of 20 had left a strong impact on the club. Baker’s memory was borne by all the players as they sported the logo of the JB33 Foundation, started by his family in his memory.
Worcestershire’s top tournament run-scorer, Brett D’Oliveira, and one of the club’s most revered players with deep roots in the club’s history, was also photographed embracing Baker’s jersey in the trophy ceremony. This gesture, against the backdrop of Baker’s tearful parents, provided an emotional depth to the triumph.
Jake Libby’s Thoughts and the Implication of the Victory
Worcestershire captain Jake Libby reflected on the victory “This means a lot to a lot of people at the club,” Libby said. “Players, coaches, supporters, families, friends… and of course, Josh Baker, who we’ve worn proudly on the front of our shirts this season.
And he is still very much in our thoughts.” The team’s performance in the final, filled with moments of uncertainty and resilience, was a fitting tribute to their fallen teammate.
A Well-Deserved Victory for Worcestershire
The victory was a fulfillment of personal ambition for Worcestershire, who have been one of the preeminent teams in the List A competition since it began in 2025.
Worcestershire’s emergence to the final for this win has been long overdue given their performance this season and prior. The continued choice of players, through the interruptions the Hundred competition caused and other issues, kept Worcestershire present and in good form.
Not only have they celebrated personal performances all throughout, but it also reflects a great spirit and togetherness in the club. Even more so, Worcestershire managed to perform generously even without Brett D’Oliveira, who desperately is struggling with injury being sidelined. Brooks, Waite, and Libby all played prominently in this.
Hampshire’s Own Struggles and Resilience
As Worcestershire celebrated their moment in the sun, Hampshire also struggled with their own woes. This List A final defeat at the hands of Worcestershire, coupled with a loss in the Vitality Blast final only the week before, has caused Hampshire to ponder their future.
Though the financial injection and increased standing of the club, their attention will now be on Division One survival in the County Championship, with the last round of matches deciding their destiny.
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