Mighty Moeen downs dismal Derbyshire

Mighty Moeen downs dismal Derbyshire

North Group: Worcestershire 139/2 (Ali 65) beat Derbyshire 136/7 (Ali 3/28) by eight wickets, at New Road

Inconsistency reared its ugly head again tonight for the Derbyshire, who were blown away by Worcestershire Rapids at New Road tonight. After an impressive night on home soil last night, the Falcons gave a limp performance that top-of-the-table Worcestershire easily overcame.

Having won the toss and opting to bat first, the Falcons were presumably hoping for a repeat of last night’s batting prowess. Perhaps a home crowd had made all the difference or perhaps the side took their improvement for granted, but this was not the same side that had bludgeoned Leicestershire for 189 runs. Wickets were thrown away and confidence dissipated, as the side dragged themselves to 136/7 in their 20 overs.

Hamish Rutherford’s first appearance for his new side was disappointingly short. He mistimed a Jack Shantry ball and was easily caught by Tom Kohler-Cadmore for just 10 in the first over. By the time Shiv Thakor went for a run that didn’t exist and was run out for 5, the visitors were suffering at 21/3.

Captain Wes Durston tried to be the side’s hero once again, but his resistance was cut short as he was caught for 29 and became one of Moeen Ali’s three scalps of the night.

In his final appearance before leaving to fulfill his duties with England, Ali was responsible not only for the three wickets but also for almost half of the Rapids’ reply. It was a glittering all-round performance that included 8 fours and 4 sixes and brightened up a slightly overcast Worcester.

The left-handed opener was eventually removed, caught off the bowling of Chesney Hughes, but the victory was already in the bag. The only other wicket to fall was that of Kohler-Cadmore, who had whizzed away to 19 before falling foul of an Alex Hughes ball.

The Rapids took the win by either wickets and with 43 balls to spare. They remain firmly on top of the table while the Falcons must return home to rethink yet again.

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