Leicestershire secure second Vitality Blast win with tight four-run victory over Worcestershire
In a closely contested North Group fixture of the Vitality Blast, the Leicestershire Foxes edged out the Worcestershire Rapids by four runs to record their second win of the season.
Batting first, Leicestershire posted a competitive total of 176 for 8, led by Rishi Patel’s 48 and solid contributions from Ben Cox (29) and Ben Mike (24). Despite the Rapids’ bowlers Nathan Smith (3/39), Adam Finch (3/43), and captain Brett D’Oliveira (2/24) pegging back the Foxes’ middle order, the late surge from Mike and the youngsters Rehan Ahmed and Lewis Goldsworthy ensured Leicestershire set a challenging target.
In the chase, Worcestershire made a blistering start, racing to 55 without loss in the powerplay. However, the introduction of spinners Goldsworthy and Ahmed slowed the momentum, with the latter dismissing D’Oliveira. A late onslaught from Josh Cobb and Ethan Brookes kept the Rapids in the hunt, but England’s Rehan Ahmed held a crucial catch to help Scott Currie remove Brookes, and debutant Josh Hull held his nerve in the final over to seal a narrow victory for the Foxes.
“The performance of the young guns, including Ahmed’s all-round contribution and Goldsworthy’s impressive debut, will be a positive takeaway for Leicestershire as they continue their Vitality Blast campaign. Meanwhile, Worcestershire will look to bounce back from this close defeat in their upcoming matches.”
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