It has been six years since the Rapids last faced off against Glamorgan, so ahead of Friday’s Vitality Blast T20 clash at New Road, we are taking a look back to September 2020 when the two sides last met one another in a Blast classic!
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a delayed start to the tournament, it wasn’t until September 20th that the sides would square off in a revised Central Group.
Winning the toss at New Road, skipper Ed Barnard chose to bat first, with Kiwi star Hamish Rutherford enjoying a day to remember, lashing a 62-ball-century at the top of the order for the home side.
A young Jack Haynes (12) made a start but was unable to kick on as he was caught in the seventh over to leave the hosts 45-1.
It was a mammoth second wicket partnership with Jake Libby that set the Rapids on course for an imposing total, with Worcestershire’s number three making a quickfire 47 off just 26 balls, striking seven boundaries in his cameo.
Rutherford continued until the 18th over, when he was caught trying to clear the ropes having nailed 11 fours and four sixes in a stunning individual salvo.
Ross Whiteley 16* off 11 propelled the hosts to a big finish, as an impressive Rapids batting display saw the home side set their opponents 191 to win.
In response, an opening stand of 120 rocketed the Welsh outfit into the driving seat, with David Lloyd (56 off 38) and Nick Selman (78 off 53) launching into the Rapids bowling unit.
A Worcestershire seam attack that featured seamers Charlie Morris, Pat Brown and Adam Finch were unable to make any early dents into the visitors top-order, until the 13th over of the innings where Daryl Mitchell (1-30) snagged Lloyd courtesy of a Whiteley catch in the deep.
Spinner that day Brett D’Oliveira (0-17) bowled economically without any reward, alongside Barnard whose three over spell ended wicketless as Glamorgan powered on.
Pat Brown grabbed two wickets late on in the piece, removing Andrew Balbirnie (23) and Kieran Carlson (0 off 1) in the 18th over, but by this point the damage had been done.
Selman fell to Charlie Morris in the penultimate over, but it was Chris Cooke and Dan Douthwaite who finished the job for Glamorgan, who sealed a five wicket win with two balls of the match to spare.
Renewing the rivalry for the first time since 2020, this Friday sees the two teams face one anther looking to ascend the Central and West Group table.
The fireworks are sure to be set off, with the announcement last week that New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has joined the Glamorgan squad for the remainder of the competition.
To secure your seat and watch Rapids stars Ethan Brookes, Usama Mir and Adam Hose take on our rivals in Friday’s crunch group game, follow the link below and book now!
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