Earlier this afternoon Yorkshire CCC booked their place in T20 finals day, as they produced a scintillating batting display, full of sixes to overcome Worcestershire. Posting an exceptional 212-5 in their 20 overs, Yorkshire were in total control of the game, despite an aggressive and impressive innings from Australian Phil Hughes. Hughes finished unbeaten on 80 for Worcestershire, but they still slipped to a 29 run defeat.
On a rare dry day of this summer, Yorkshire won the toss and elected to bat at Headingly. Despite losing Phil Jacques early on, Yorkshire recovered well as Andrew Gale and Joe Root increased the run rate. Captain Gale departed for 30, and Root eventually fell for 65 with the score at 126-4.
David Millar and Gary Balance though increased the momentum, putting the Worcestershire bowlers to the sword, and pushing on the score. Millar crashed three maximums as he made fifty in only 25 balls before his dismissal. Gary Balance though finished off the innings in sublime style, clearing the ropes five times, as he scored an unbeaten 46 in only 20 balls. The final score read a massive 212-5, far above the average total, with the runs scored at more than ten an over.
Facing such a mammoth run chase, Worcestershire found themselves up against it straight away. Their task was made even more challenging when they found both of their openers back in the pavilion, with the score only on 20. Hughes though gave his side a chance of qualifying for finals day with a fantastic innings. The Australian was ably supported by James Cameron and Gareth Andrew, as they gave themselves a slim chance of overcoming their northern rivals.
Hughes continued his excellent innings, stroking ten boundaries in total, but it was in vain as eventually his Australian counterpart Mitchell Starc had the last laugh. Yorkshire’s seamer picked up two late wickets to end the Worcestershire charge, finishing with fine figures of 3-24 from his allotted overs. Richard Pyrah picked up two wickets to add to his late flurry of runs during the Yorkshire innings, whilst Azeem Rafiq bowled economically to stifle the opposition.
Finals day now awaits Yorkshire, as they aim to win the domestic T20 competition for the first time. The lucrative prospect of Cricket’s Champions League also potentially lies in wait. Today’s win was even more welcome after the disappointment of the past week against Derbyshire. After their washed out County Championship match, Derbyshire defeated the White Rose in the CB40 during a close fought affair.
Andrew Gale top scored for Yorkshire with 51 as they posted 238-7 in their overs, but it wasn’t quite enough. Derbyshire were left reeling early on at 56-4 inside ten overs, as Ian Wardlaw and Starc both picked up two wickets. However the Falcons didn’t panic as Captain Wayne Madsen and wicketkeeper Richard Johnson rebuilt the innings. At 141-6 though Yorkshire seemed to be in control, but Johnson with excellent assistance from Alex Hughes clawed Derbyshire to victory. Johnson eventually fell for 79, but Hughes saw his side home as he closed on 37 not out.
The defeat leaves Yorkshire with little chance of qualifying, as they sit in a lowly 5th place in their group after the latest setback. However there have been no such travails in the T20 as they now look forward to finals day on 25th August where they will be joined by Somerset, Sussex and the winner of the final quarter final clash between Nottinghamshire and Hampshire. For now though focus will switch back to the longer formats of the game, as Yorkshire continue their fight for promotion in the County Championship with a trip to Grace Road on Friday to play struggling Leicestershire.