Jansen Takes Four as Gloucestershire Snatch Last-Ball Thriller

Gloucestershire beat Worcestershire by 3 runs in a tight finish at Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol. Gloucestershire 148/8 beat Worcestershire 145 all out off the final ball. Duan Jansen took 4-37, ripping through Worcestershire’s top order as they slumped to 28/4.His early burst put Gloucestershire in control despite Worcestershire’s late fightback.

Gloucestershire batted first after winning the toss, posting 148/8. Ben Charlesworth top-scored with 49 off 34.Worcestershire needed 3 off the last ball but fell 3 short, finishing 145 all out. Sikandar Raza made 47 off 31 but it wasn’t enough. Gloucestershire also got support from Marchant de Lange 2-21 and Jack Taylor 2-22.

The hosts posted 148 for 8 after winning the toss, Ben Charlesworth top-scoring with 49 off 34 balls. Experienced spinner Sikandar Raza took 1 for 19 from four overs and there were two wickets each for Tom Taylor and Matthew Waite.

In reply, Worcestershire slumped to 28 for 4, Jansen taking all the wickets, before Raza smacked 47 off 31 balls in a vain chase that ended off the final ball at 145 all out. Marchant de Lange took 2 for 21 and Jack Taylor 2 for 22.

Gloucestershire scored 51 off the initial six-over powerplay, despite losing three wickets. D'Arcy Short was bowled for a golden duck by the third ball of the match, sent down by Tom Taylor.

Joe Phillips was caught at point off Taylor and Miles Hammond bowled off an inside edge for 18 by Adam Finch the ball after depositing him over fine leg for six. Taylor's three overs in the powerplay saw him take 2 for 20.

Bottom line: Jansen’s 4-wicket haul set up Gloucestershire’s narrow 3-run thriller over Worcestershire, making it 5 wins from 6 in the Blast group stage.

At the halfway point of their innings, they had progressed to 77 for 4, Raza lifting Marchant de Lange for a big six over fine leg. He followed up by clearing the ropes over deep square off Matt Taylor.

Jack Taylor's leg spin accounted for Adam Hose, caught at long-off for 14 in the 12th over with the total on 87. The Gloucestershire skipper then bowled Raza with a full-length delivery to make it 100 for 6.