Cricket

Lancashire's Josh Bohannon and Worcestershire's Jake Libby starred in a thrilling encounter at Emirates Old Trafford, with Lancashire ultimately prevailing by a narrow three-run margin.Lancashire, batting first, struggled initially against Worcestershire's pace attack. However, Bohannon's composed 87 and a 63-run partnership with Venkatesh Iyer steadied the innings. Bohannon's dismissal for 87 triggered a collapse, but George Balderson's 50 and Harry Singh's late cameo helped Lancashire post a competitive 237.Worcestershire's chase began poorly, with Ed Pollock and Gareth Roderick falling cheaply. Libby and Tom Taylor then combined for an 89-run stand, keeping Worcestershire in contention. However, Libby's dismissal for 83 proved pivotal.With 40 runs required off 28 balls, Tom Hinley threatened to snatch victory for Worcestershire. However, Venkatesh Iyer dismissed Hinley and Harry Darley in quick succession to secure a dramatic win for Lancashire.For Lancashire, the victory provided a much-needed boost after a disappointing 50-over campaign. Bohannon's innings was a highlight, while Charlie Barnard's three wickets showcased his bowling prowess.Worcestershire, despite the defeat, secured a home quarter-final against Warwickshire. Skipper Jake Libby's 83 ensured their overall run rate remained healthy.

Lancashire tightened their grip on a resounding victory over Kent in the Vitality County Championship at Canterbury, reducing the hosts to 143 for 6 at stumps on day three. Kent face an uphill battle to avoid a heavy defeat, trailing by 162 runs with only four second innings wickets remaining.Lancashire declared their first innings on 549 for 9, a formidable lead of 305. Josh Bohannon anchored the innings with a magnificent 205, while Matty Hurst contributed a valuable 50. George Garrett was the pick of the Kent bowlers, claiming 3 for 89.Kent's response got off to a shaky start as Will Williams and Tom Bailey struck early to leave them reeling at 143 for 6. Ben Compton, with 37, was the only batsman to offer any resistance. The chances of Kent salvaging anything other than a heavy loss to their relegation rivals appear slim.On day three, Lancashire opted to bat on, extending their lead to 158. Bohannon reached his double-century before being dismissed by his former teammate Matt Parkinson. Hurst also reached a half-century before being stumped by Harry Finch.Garrett took three wickets after lunch to prevent Lancashire from running riot. Jack Blatherwick, George Balderson, and Bailey all fell to the paceman, prompting Lancashire to declare.Kent's second innings began disastrously as Marcus O'Riordan was dismissed for 4 in the fourth over. Daniel Bell-Drummond followed suit, trapped lbw by Balderson. Compton's dismissal, caught by Bell off Bailey, was a major blow to Kent's hopes.Williams and Bailey continued to torment Kent, removing Joey Evison and Tawanda Muyeye cheaply. Harry Finch showed some resistance with 23, but Nathan Lyon had him caught by Bohannon.Beyers Swanepoel and Charlie Stobo managed to hold out for the final 11.4 overs, but Kent's chances of avoiding defeat remain bleak.