Gloucestershire secured their fifth victory in six Vitality Blast group matches with a dramatic last-ball, three-run triumph over Worcestershire at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol. The intense T20 contest showcased stellar performances, with Duan Jansen leading the charge by claiming 4 wickets for 37 runs.
Winning the toss, Gloucestershire set a competitive total of 148 for 8. Ben Charlesworth was the standout batsman for the hosts, scoring a well-crafted 49 runs off 34 balls. Worcestershire’s experienced spinner Sikandar Raza took 1 for 19 across his four overs, while Tom Taylor and Matthew Waite chipped in with two wickets each.
Worcestershire’s chase began shakily, collapsing to 28 for 4, largely due to Jansen’s devastating bowling that dismantled their top order. Despite a fighting 47 off 31 balls from Raza, Worcestershire could only reach 145 all out on the very last delivery. Marchant de Lange and Jack Taylor contributed with two wickets apiece.
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Gloucestershire’s innings got off to a rapid start, scoring 51 runs in the powerplay despite losing three early wickets. Tom Taylor wreaked havoc early on, removing D’Arcy Short for a golden duck, followed by crucial breakthroughs of Joe Phillips and Miles Hammond, who had earlier hammered a six off Adam Finch.
Spin played a key role for Worcestershire, with Usama Mir and Sikandar Raza applying pressure. Charlesworth responded emphatically with a six off Mir as Gloucestershire reached 76 for 3 after ten overs. However, Gloucestershire’s run rate slowed when wickets fell in quick succession, including the well-set Charlesworth who was dismissed just short of a fifty off Raza’s bowling.
Jansen’s purple patch in Worcestershire’s reply proved decisive. He consistently exploited poor shot selections, claiming multiple wickets including Brett D’Oliveira, Isaac Mohammed, and Kashif Ali. Worcestershire ended the powerplay struggling at 47 for 4.
Despite Raza’s heroics with bat and ball, including two towering sixes, Jack Taylor’s leg spin struck crucial blows, dismissing Adam Hose and Raza himself. Worcestershire’s innings fizzled out just short, with a boundary required off the final ball. Matt Taylor’s tight bowling ensured Finch was caught, sealing Gloucestershire’s thrilling victory.
This win further cements Gloucestershire as strong contenders in the Vitality Blast, showcasing resilience and skill under pressure.