The buzz of semi-final cricket was palpable around Visit Worcestershire New Road on Sunday morning, as Worcestershire welcomed Somerset, with the hosts vying for a place in the Metro Bank One Day Cup final next month.
Two wins away from a first piece of silverware since 2018’s historic Blast win, Jake Libby lost the toss and was invited to bat first by visiting captain James Rew, as he confirmed three changes to his side from Tuesday’s win over Surrey, as Ben Allison, Ethan Brookes and Matthew Waite all returned to the playing XI.
Under gloomy skies and battling a blustery wind blowing across the ground, Brett D’Oliveira started with intent, rousing the home crowd as he slammed a drive through extra-cover with the first ball of the match.
Much talked about teenager Dan Lategan continued his excellent start to life as a professional cricketer, as he and D’Oliveira combined to take the first-wicket stand past 50 in the ninth over the day.
Five short of a half-century, it was D’Oliveira who was the first wicket of the day to fall, as he looked to drive the ball through cover and was well caught close in with his side 85-1.
Shortly after the Rapids passed 100, Lategan brought up a second consecutive List A half-century from just 53 balls in another eye-catching cameo, before Kashif Ali’s innings came to a swift end when he was caught out for six, bringing Skipper Jake Libby to the middle.
Libby was given a momentary reprieve when he was dropped on 17 by Ben Green, but was dismissed the very next ball as Worcestershire’s fast start was stalled by the away side, who reduced the Rapids to 140-3.
Lategan’s fine individual innings went on, exhibiting his exceptional eye for length as he plundered the ball through extra cover, until the 33rd over when the opener miscued a reverse sweep off a full-length Jack Leach delivery to be trapped LBW for a superb 78.
Rob Jones (5) and Ethan Brookes (24) chipped in but failed to kick on as the Rapids slipped to196-6 and were on the back foot heading into the final 10 overs.
The 200 came up in the 42nd over, as Henry Cullen and Matthew Waite looked to launch a late counter-attack, with Cullen adding valuable late impetus with his creative cameo of 32 and Waite adding some lusty late blows as Worcestershire ended their innings 275-9, taking some crucial late momentum into the field.