It was the One-Day Cup’s moment to shine after some fantastic entertainment in the current Hundred and the T20 Blast, and it did, with Lancashire defeating Worcestershire at Manchester’s Old Trafford in a closely contested match.
When Worcestershire brought Venkatesh Iyer into the attack at the 32-over point, they were 129/5 and in danger of losing ground on Lancashire’s 237 total.
Iyer was stripped of his bowling responsibilities by captain Josh Bohannon after he bowled five overs for 34 runs. He was replaced by bowlers who were more aggressive and potent in terms of taking wickets.
But it was the last over of the innings, and Venkatesh’s sixth over, that turned the tide of the match. Having conceded a leg-bye and a bye to the first two deliveries, Venkatesh and Lancashire could not have wanted for a worse start. After Venkatesh erred with his line and gave Worcestershire two more wides, things were even more precarious for the home team. Still, none could have predicted what happened next.
3️⃣ runs required to win.
2️⃣ wickets needed…
Over to you, @venkateshiyer! 😍
🌹 #RedRoseTogether https://t.co/CfuDnk44Oo pic.twitter.com/gNTFO2M6ml
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) August 14, 2024
VENKYYYY WINS IT!!! 😍😍😍
Darley pinned LBW by @venkateshiyer!
Rapids 234 all out!
🌹 #RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/Y55npAw3rL
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) August 14, 2024
A Worcestershire triumph seemed more likely with two wickets in the bank and only four to gain from eight balls with Tom Hinley poised to bat. A short delivery from Venkatesh as he was approaching the wicket encouraged Hinley to attempt the heroic shot, but Harry Singh caught him at deep midwicket.
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Then, with a ball that seemed to be slipping down the leg stump, Venkatesh trapped Harry Darley, the number eleven, in front. Nevertheless, umpire Simon Widdup quickly lifted his finger to give Lancashire a thrilling three-run victory.
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