Worcestershire starlet Dan Lategan was delighted after recording his maiden List A half-century as the 19-year-old helped his side secure a home semi-final after a convincing win over Surrey.
Coming into the day knowing that a win at Visit Worcestershire New Road and a defeat for Gloucestershire against Hampshire would see the Rapids top the group, a topsy turvy afternoon of nervy result checking saw the Rapids learn their fate late on Tuesday evening, as it was confirmed that they would be hosting a home semi-final on Sunday, against one of Somerset or Gloucestershire.
Lategan, starred in the chase of 266, as he continued his excellent recent run of form at the top of the order and after the game emphasised how much he is enjoying batting with Brett D’Oliveira.
“I think that our partnership took the backbone out of the chase. I think that he had quite a big over and then I was just trying to just keep a steady head, steady mind, and just go about the chase as risk free as we can.
“I’m very happy at the top of the order. Dolly and I enjoy batting together and I think we worked together quite well, batting wise, and just to get in the middle.
“We just said that we’re just going to watch the ball, really, because it was a bit tough up front.
“It was doing a little bit, and obviously Gus was doing what he does, really. So, yeah, it was just about working with each other, working off the back of each other.”
Coming into the side midway through the Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign, Lategan has caught the eye of supporters with his no-fear approach in the middle and how seamlessly the 19-year-old has taken to professional cricket.
With two starts in the games leading into the crunch clash against Surrey, the consensus was that the powerful left-hander wasn’t far away from kicking on to make a score of note – which duly arrived in the shape of a 50-ball-54 on Tuesday afternoon.
Having made his case to the selectors ahead of Sunday’s last-four face off against one of the big hitters from the South West, Lategan says the feeling in the changing room has made the transition as easy as possible.
“It’s a lovely changing room to come into. Ever since I came to Worcestershire, the changing room has always been a lovely place to be around and coming into the team is so easy because all the lads support you and want you to do well.
“It’s an amazing experience. I couldn’t be happier. Obviously, it’s been a dream since I was a youngster, so to be able to be a part of this team and just playing professional cricket in general is an amazing experience.
“The great thing about this squad and this team in general is that I think we have amazing depth, being able to rest players when needed, and bringing in players which are just as capable.
“I think that’s a great really helped us in this tournament.”
