On Thursday, Warwickshire County Cricket Club changed history. They knocked off an impressive 219 runs, the third most the club had ever run-chased, landing a phenomenal five-wicket win against Worcestershire at Edgbaston. Worcestershire had set a mighty target of 393 runs. In reply, Warwickshire produced a stunning display of batting prowess, a total of 396 for 5 closing the match positively.
In the Rothesay County Championship Division One match at Hereford, Worcestershire made 333 in their first innings. They came back with 243 in their second innings. Even with a fantastic all-around bowling performance from their opponents Worcestershire, Warwickshire showed plenty of grit from their batsmen – especially in the second innings.
Dan Mousley was central to the chase, scoring an impressive 140 from 156, with a strike rate of 89.74. He provided the perfect platform allowing him to build a crucial third wicket partnership of 114 runs with Zen Malik. This partnership proved pivotal and was the anchor of the team’s successful run-chase. Fittingly, Mousley reached his long-awaited first championship century. He got off to a good start, getting to 50 runs off 89 balls before going on to score 107 runs overall.
Play was dominated by Zen Malik who was very influential in scoring an excellent 140 runs to register his first-class century with a six. His innings alternated between fearsome shot making and calm demeanor while facing intense pressure. None were bigger, though, than Beau Webster’s in the fourth and final fielding-heavy inning. He concluded with an impressive unbeaten century of 100 runs. His calmness in the chase proved decisive in seeing Warwickshire over the line.
Kai Smith was the standout performer in the fightback, contributing a key unbeaten 48 runs. It was an impressive showing from him as Warwickshire moved ever closer to the target. The team’s successful chase culminated in an atmosphere of celebration among players and fans alike, marking a memorable day for the club.
In the first few overs of Worcestershire’s second innings, Ed Barnard against Tom Taylor and he seamed the ball late out the back in the very first over with the new ball. This dismissal brought on a tough battle for control statement game with both teams battling tooth and nail for control.
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