Vitality Blast 2022, Worcestershire Rapids Vs Leicestershire Foxes: Naveen-ul-Haq’s fifer stars Leicestershire

 While batting first, Leicestershire posted a total of 162 at the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. Worcestershire bowled at tight lines in the opening stages, and Dillon Pennington was rewarded when Scott Steel (8), who had hit half-centuries in his previous two innings. Apart from Scott Steel, other top-order batters contributed decently well. Opener Hamish Rutherford, a former Worcestershire player, was looking to improve on 22 runs in his first five innings in the Blast this summer but was bowled out by Moeen Ali, who bowled with a stunning economy of 4.75. Ed Barnard was clinical in trapping Arron Lilley (32) for an LBW and captain Colin Ackermann (14). Rishi Patel took action in command to add 37 off 25, dismissed by Dwayne Bravo. Ben Mike and Lewis Hill took the total to 162. 

While chasing Worcestershire had a stable start by opener Ed Pollock and Brett D’Oliveira, Naveen broke their 29-run partnership by dismissing Brett D’Oliveira. Skipper Moeen Ali lost his wicket in an LBW to Rehan Ahmed, whereas their leading scorer Colin Munro was trapped by Naveen-ul-Haq to be caught behind the stumps. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as Jack Haynes and Ben Cox lost wickets to Parkinson. After taking two crucial wickets, Naveen took another three in the form of Ed Barnard, Dwayne Bravo, and Dillon Pennington. As Naveen took his fifer with an astonishing economy of 2.75, Callum Parkinson and Rehan Ahmed took two to grab a clinical 26-run victory over Worcestershire.

Leicestershire Foxes, placed at fourth place, will face table-toppers Lancashire Lighting on 7th June 2022. In contrast, Worcestershire Rapids struggling at the bottom of the table will collide with Northamptonshire Steelbacks on 9th June 2022.