Cricket

Worcestershire Rapids snapped their seven-game losing streak in the Vitality Blast with a convincing 16-run victory over Leicestershire Foxes at New Road. The Rapids' highest score of the season, 184 for 8, was powered by Adam Hose's blistering 63 off 39 balls.Leicestershire's spinners, Lewis Goldworthy and Rehan Ahmed, initially stifled the Rapids' batting, but Hose's late onslaught propelled them to a competitive total. However, the Foxes' top order was decimated by Tom Taylor and Harry Darley, leaving them reeling at 28 for 5.Louis Kimber's rapid-fire 53 off 21 balls, including five sixes, briefly revived Leicestershire's hopes. He and Ben Cox added 85 in eight overs, but Kimber's dismissal extinguished their chances of an improbable victory. Cox completed a fine 50 off 35 balls, but Matthew Waite's late wickets, including Cox in the final over, sealed the win for Worcestershire.Waite's career-best Blast return of 5 for 21 was a testament to his accuracy and control. The Rapids, despite their injury woes, delivered a convincing performance, while Leicestershire's winless streak extended to four games.

Worcestershire's first victory of the Vitality County Championship season came in dramatic fashion as they chased down 231 to defeat Durham by six wickets at the Seat Unique Riverside.After dismissing Durham for 152 in their second innings, Worcestershire faced a daunting target. However, half-centuries from Kashif Ali (76*) and Adam Hose (50) proved decisive.Ali and Hose came together with Worcestershire struggling at 65 for three. They combined for a 129-run partnership that shifted the momentum in the visitors' favor. Ali, a graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy, played a crucial role in securing the win, while Hose continued his impressive form with back-to-back fifties.Durham's bowlers had enjoyed success on the previous two days, but they were unable to contain Ali and Hose. The pair weathered a barrage of short-pitched bowling and took advantage of loose deliveries.Gareth Roderick provided a solid start for Worcestershire, scoring 38 before falling to Ben Stokes. Jake Libby also contributed 19, but it was Ali and Hose who ultimately guided the visitors to victory.For Durham, the defeat was their first home loss in the County Championship since April 2022. It leaves them just 11 points ahead of Worcestershire in the Division One relegation battle.