Shahzad Shines as Worcestershire Storm into Metro Bank One-Day Cup Final

Shahzad Shines as Worcestershire Storm into Metro Bank One-Day Cup Final

Pakistan seamer Khurram Shahzad ripped through Somerset's top order with a fiery spell of 4 for 36 as Worcestershire cruised into the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final with a commanding 131-run (DLS) victory at New Road.

Worcestershire set up their win with a solid total of 275 for 9, built around a composed 78 from 19-year-old Daniel Lategan — his highest score in List A cricket — before Somerset's chase collapsed in the face of a relentless bowling performance led by Shahzad.

Having chosen to bowl first, Somerset had to wait 15 overs for a breakthrough as openers Lategan and Brett D’Oliveira (45) compiled an 85-run stand. Though Somerset’s bowlers kept things tight — led by Jack Leach’s economical 2 for 28 from 10 overs — wickets began to tumble once Worcestershire sought acceleration.

Ben Green emerged as the most successful bowler with 4 for 52, but Worcestershire’s middle and lower order chipped in crucial runs. After a brief stumble in the middle overs, late fireworks from Henry Cullen (32), Matthew Waite (24), and Tom Taylor (22* with three sixes) pushed the total to a competitive 275.

The real damage, however, was inflicted by Shahzad. After starting his spell with two wides — one racing to the boundary — the right-armer recovered brilliantly. He dismissed Tom Lammonby and Lewis Goldsworthy with short balls, had Archie Vaughan caught brilliantly by Ben Allison at midwicket, and removed Thomas Rew with a sharp edge to slip, reducing Somerset to 28 for 4 inside nine overs.

Worcestershire’s seamers maintained the pressure. Waite removed Joshua Thomas with a fine catch from Lategan at the boundary, while Allison picked up Finley Hill and the dangerous Green just before heavy rain interrupted play with Somerset teetering at 108 for 7.

After the restart, Somerset faced a hopeless equation — 165 runs needed from just 14.2 overs — and their innings unravelled further. Aldridge edged behind and Leach was stumped, both falling to Ethan Brookes. James Rew and Jake Ball were left with an impossible task, requiring 137 from the final ten overs.

The end came swiftly as Rew holed out to long off, handing Worcestershire a thumping win and sparking jubilant celebrations among the New Road faithful.

With this dominant display, Worcestershire sealed their place in the final at Trent Bridge on September 20, where they will look to crown their campaign with silverware.

Score Summary:

  • Worcestershire: 275/9 in 50 overs (Lategan 78, D’Oliveira 45, Green 4-52, Leach 2-28)

  • Somerset: 141 all out in 31.2 overs (Shahzad 4-36, Allison 2-14, Brookes 2-21)

  • Result: Worcestershire won by 131 runs (via DLS)

  • Venue: New Road, Worcester

  • Player of the Match: Khurram Shahzad

Worcestershire will now prepare for a shot at the title, having outclassed a strong Somerset side in all departments.