LONDON — In a heart-stopping finale at Trent Bridge, Worcestershire secured a dramatic three-wicket victory over Hampshire with just two balls to spare to claim the 2024 Metro Bank One-Day Cup title in a rain-affected thriller.
Chasing a revised target of 198 from 33 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, the Rapids were propelled by a magnificent, career-best 109 not out from young opener Ethan Brookes. His composed century under immense pressure guided his side home after they had stumbled to 60 for 4, sealing the county's first List A trophy since 2018 in unforgettable fashion.
Rain Interrupts Hampshire's Charge
Hampshire, having been put in to bat, were building a formidable platform at 164 for 3 in the 32nd over, with the prolific Toby Albert (68) and Ben Brown (44) well set. However, a lengthy rain delay proved to be a pivotal moment in the contest. Upon the resumption, the Hawks lost their remaining seven wickets for just 40 runs, collapsing to 204 all out in 41.4 overs. The Worcestershire attack, led by the experienced Ben Gibbon (3/38), exploited the damp conditions expertly.
Worcestershire captain Brett D'Oliveira praised his bowlers' resilience, stating: "The way the lads bowled after the rain break was incredible. We knew it would be tacky and they hit their lengths perfectly. Gibbo was outstanding, and that collapse gave us a real belief we could do it."
The Brookes Masterclass
The run-chase began disastrously for the Rapids as Hampshire's international-class attack struck early blows. England quick John Turner removed both D'Oliveira and star batter Kashif Ali cheaply, while Kyle Abbott accounted for Gareth Roderick. At 60 for 4 in the 13th over, the final seemed to be slipping away. Enter Ethan Brookes. The 23-year-old, on loan from Warwickshire, played the innings of his life, mixing sensible defence with calculated aggression.
He found crucial partners in Rob Jones (31) and Ben Cox (23), but the requirement remained steep. With 19 needed from the final two overs, Brookes launched a huge six off Turner to swing the momentum decisively. Needing five from the final over, he fittingly sealed the win with a boundary, finishing unbeaten on 109 from 115 balls.
A euphoric Brookes said after the match: "I'm lost for words. To do it in a final for this group is unbelievable. We kept losing wickets but we always had belief. I just tried to take it as deep as possible and back myself at the end."
Key Moments and Turning Points
The match was a rollercoaster defined by several key phases that shifted the momentum between the two sides:
- The Rain Delay: Halting Hampshire's momentum at a critical juncture.
- The Collapse: Hampshire's loss of 7/40 post-rain changed the complexion of the game.
- The Partnership: Brookes and Jones' 72-run stand for the fifth wicket rebuilt the innings.
Perhaps the most crucial individual moment came in the 32nd over. With Worcestershire still needing 19, Brookes skied a catch off Turner that should have been taken. The dropped chance proved catastrophic for Hampshire, as Brookes smashed the very next ball for a monumental six, effectively sealing their fate.
A Tale of What Might Have Been
For Hampshire, it was a bitter pill to swallow. Their captain, James Vince, was left to rue the missed opportunity and the crucial dropped catch. "It's a tough one to take. We were in a great position with the bat before the rain. And then that chance goes down at the death... it's a fine margin. Full credit to Brookes, it was a special knock under pressure."
Despite the loss, the performances of young Toby Albert with the bat and the fiery pace of John Turner (3/42) were major positives. However, their inability to finish the job from a dominant position, compounded by the costly fielding error, meant they finished as runners-up for the second time in three years.
Celebrations and Looking Ahead
The victory sparked wild celebrations amongst the Worcestershire players and travelling supporters. It marked a triumphant redemption for a side that has battled financial constraints and the loss of key players in recent years. The win was built not on star names, but on a collective team spirit and the emergence of a new hero in Ethan Brookes.
The triumph also secures Worcestershire's place in next season's One-Day Cup, continuing a proud tradition of producing white-ball talent. For Hampshire, the search for a first List A title since 2018 goes on, but they remain one of the country's most formidable limited-overs outfits. On this day, however, it was all about Worcestershire and one young man's unforgettable innings under the brightest lights.
As the fireworks lit up the Nottingham sky, it was a reminder of the magic of the domestic game. In an era of franchise leagues, the One-Day Cup final delivered a classic, nail-biting contest that will be remembered for years to come, culminating in a deserving winner and a new county hero being born.