WORCESTERSHIRE — Adam Hose delivered a blistering 95 off just 51 balls to power Worcestershire Rapids to a commanding 25-run victory over Notts Outlaws in a thrilling T20 Blast encounter at New Road.
The Rapids, buoyed by Hose’s explosive innings, posted a formidable 198/6 before restricting the Outlaws to 173/9, securing their third win of the campaign. Hose’s knock, which included nine fours and five sixes, was the standout performance of the night.
Hose’s Masterclass in Power-Hitting
Hose, who came in at No. 3, took charge early, dismantling the Outlaws’ bowling attack with a mix of crisp drives and towering sixes. His 50 came off just 28 balls, and he looked set for a century before falling to Luke Fletcher in the 18th over, caught at deep mid-wicket. "I was disappointed not to get the hundred, but the win is what matters," Hose said post-match.
The Rapids’ innings was further bolstered by contributions from captain Brett D’Oliveira (32 off 23) and Gareth Roderick (27* off 16), ensuring a strong finish. Key moments included:
- Hose’s 84-run partnership with D’Oliveira for the second wicket
- A flurry of boundaries in the death overs, with 62 runs coming off the last five
- Notts’ bowlers struggling for control, conceding 13 wides
Outlaws’ Chase Falters Despite Early Promise
Notts started their chase aggressively, with Alex Hales (41 off 24) and Joe Clarke (33 off 22) putting on 68 for the first wicket. However, the introduction of spin turned the tide, as D’Oliveira and Mitchell Santner combined to take four wickets between them.
"We lost momentum after the powerplay," admitted Outlaws skipper Steven Mullaney. "Hose’s innings was the difference—we couldn’t match that firepower."
Turning Point: Santner’s Double Strike
New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner removed both Hales and Clarke in quick succession, derailing the Outlaws’ chase. His figures of 2/22 in four overs were pivotal, with the required rate climbing steadily thereafter.
Bowlers Seal the Deal for Rapids
Worcestershire’s seamers closed out the game efficiently, with Pat Brown (2/30) and Ben Gibbon (2/25) striking at crucial stages. The Outlaws’ middle order crumbled under pressure, with only Lyndon James (28 off 20) offering late resistance.
Key stats from the match:
- Hose’s strike rate of 186.27—the highest in the Rapids’ innings
- Notts’ spinners conceding just 6.25 runs per over compared to the pacers’ 10.50
- Worcestershire’s fielding excellence, with three run-outs
Post-Match Reactions
Rapids coach Alan Richardson praised Hose’s intent: "Adam played with freedom and clarity—exactly what we needed. It’s a statement win for us."
Meanwhile, Notts’ coach Peter Moores rued missed opportunities: "We let them get 20 too many, and our batting lost its way. Credit to Worcestershire, they outplayed us."
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Rapids will look to build momentum when they face Birmingham Bears next, while the Outlaws aim to bounce back against Durham. With the T20 Blast heating up, Hose’s form could be a game-changer for Worcestershire’s playoff hopes.
"We’re taking it one game at a time," Hose added. "If we keep playing like this, we’ll be hard to stop."