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In a thrilling T20 Blast North Group match, Worcestershire Rapids‘ all-rounder Matthew Waite delivered a remarkable performance, smashing 34 runs in the final over to set up a convincing 55-run victory over the Birmingham Bears.
Mathew Waite’s all-round performance
Worcestershire, opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 187 for 6 in their 20 overs. Kashif Ali got the innings off to a brisk start, scoring a quickfire 46 off 30 balls, while Waite provided the late fireworks with a blistering 34 runs in the final over. This late onslaught from Waite proved to be the difference-maker, as it boosted Worcestershire’s total significantly.
In response, Birmingham Bears struggled from the outset, losing both their openers without scoring. Dan Mousley‘s valiant 68 off 44 balls was the lone bright spot, as the rest of the Birmingham batting lineup failed to make an impact.
Here’s the video
MATTHEW WAITE HAS TAKEN 34 RUNS FROM THE FINAL OVER 😱 pic.twitter.com/LiGxLjCXyn
— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) July 12, 2024
Worcestershire’s disciplined bowling, led by Waite’s impressive figures of 4 for 29, and Tom Taylor‘s tight spell, kept the Bears in check throughout the innings, eventually bowling them out for 132. Waite’s all-round heroics were the key to Worcestershire’s victory.
With a magnificent 34 off George Garton‘s final over, Matthew Waite put an end to it. Waite hit 36 not out off of eight balls. In his short span on the crease, he demolished Garton’s over with five sixes and a boundary. Not only did he contribute with the bat, but he also shone with the ball, taking four crucial wickets to derail the Birmingham chase. This performance follows his impressive outing in the previous game, where he had a remarkable spell of 4 for 29.
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Worcestershire keeping up hopes alive
The win keeps Worcestershire’s hopes alive for a spot in the knockout stage, while Birmingham, despite leading the table, will need to work hard to secure a home quarter-final berth after suffering their third defeat in 11 matches.
The match witnessed a mix of aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and crucial breakthroughs, ultimately resulting in Worcestershire’s convincing victory over Birmingham. Waite’s heroics in the final over and his all-round performance were the standout features of the game, as he single-handedly turned the tide in Worcestershire’s favour.
This victory is a significant boost for Worcestershire, who will be looking to build on this momentum and secure a place in the Vitality Blast knockout stage. Meanwhile, Birmingham Bears will need to regroup and address the issues that led to this defeat, as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the North Group standings.
