Cricket

Kent's Tawanda Muyeye produced a masterful double century to thwart Worcestershire's hopes of a swift victory in their relegation battle at New Road. The 23-year-old Zimbabwean dominated the proceedings, guiding Kent to a commanding position after they had faced a first-innings deficit of 276.Muyeye resumed the day unbeaten on 80 and continued to showcase his exceptional batting skills. He surpassed his previous best score of 179, reaching his double century with a single off Joe Leach. The milestone prompted an exuberant celebration, with Muyeye performing a jig around the square before being congratulated by his teammate Grant Stewart.Muyeye received valuable support from Jack Leaning, Joey Evison, Harry Finch, and Stewart. However, his innings came to an end in the final over of the day when he was caught behind off James Hartshorn for 211 from 279 balls, including three sixes and 23 fours.Despite Muyeye's heroics, Worcestershire remain favorites to secure a second consecutive win in the Championship. Kent still trail by 77 runs with two wickets remaining. Tom Taylor's three wickets for 85 from 22 overs proved crucial for the home side, as they seek to capitalize on their advantage.The match was delayed due to overnight rain and morning drizzle, with play only getting underway at 2pm. Kent resumed on 104 for 2 in their second innings, needing a further 172 to avoid an innings defeat.Leaning started aggressively, hitting three boundaries, but was dismissed lbw by Hartshorn for 27. Muyeye continued his aggressive approach, pulling Hartshorn for six. He completed his second first-class century from 109 balls, containing two sixes and 13 fours.The introduction of Adam Finch into the attack led to another breakthrough, with Evison caught behind for 32. Muyeye had a lucky escape on 135 when he top-edged Hartshorn between two fielders, but he continued to bat with confidence.D'Oliveira brought himself into the attack, forming an all-spin combination alongside Jake Libby. Harry Finch provided solid support for Muyeye, adding 81 runs in a partnership of 16 overs.However, Taylor's persistence paid off when Finch was caught lbw for 41. Stewart joined Muyeye and adopted an aggressive approach, contributing 41 runs in a partnership of 84. Taylor struck again with the second new ball, trapping Stewart lbw for 41. He then had Matt Parkinson caught behind before Hartshorn ended Muyeye's brilliant innings.

Lancashire's relegation battle took a turn for the worse on day one of their Vitality County Championship clash with Kent at Canterbury. Despite a valiant effort from Tawanda Muyeye, who scored 59, Lancashire were left trailing by 206 runs after being bowled out for 244.Kent's innings got off to a solid start, with Ben Compton plundering 11 runs from Tom Bailey's opening over. However, the scoring rate slowed down, and Lancashire's bowlers began to make inroads. George Balderson and Nathan Lyon shared six wickets between them, with Balderson claiming the key wickets of Marcus O'Riordan and Daniel Bell-Drummond.Joey Evison and Compton steadied the ship for Kent, but after lunch, the hosts suffered a mini-collapse. Evison, Finch, and Compton all fell in quick succession, leaving Kent on 124 for 5. Muyeye and Charlie Stobo then combined for an 82-run partnership, but Lyon broke the stand by bowling Stobo.Swanepoel and Parkinson also fell cheaply, leaving Kent on the brink of collapse. However, Muyeye continued to fight, reaching his first half-century of the season. He was eventually dismissed for 59, denying Kent a single batting point.Lancashire's reply got off to a poor start, with Beyers Swanepoel bowling Keaton Jennings for a duck. Josh Bohannon and Luke Wells steadied the ship, but Lancashire still trail by a significant margin.