da gbg bet： Worcestershire smashed the record for the highest total by a side batting second in a day-night league match by reaching 275 for 3 to beat Durham by seven wickets in an epic top-of-the-table clash
Roy Bradley31-Jul-2001Worcestershire smashed the record for the highest total by a side batting second in a day-night league match by reaching 275 for 3 to beat Durham by seven wickets in an epic top-of-the-table clash.The cricket was every bit as stirring as the fireworks sound-effects as the home side extended their lead to four points in front of a capacity crowd of 4,500.Paul Pollard launched the six-an-over chase with 62 from 44 balls, and when the opener pulled a catch to square leg, Graeme Hick and Vikram Solanki made their quality count in a partnership of 160.Taking surprisingly few risks – both reached 50 with only five boundaries – they systematically carved into Durham’s 274 for 7 by putting on 160 in 27 overs before Hick was bowled by Danny Law for 87.But Solanki stayed unbeaten with 91 as Worcestershire romped home with 16 balls to spare.It was a case of matching everything Durham did – and better. To make the achievement all the more meritorious, they secured a fourth successive league win despite losing fast bowler Kabir Ali after he had bowled only three overs.The teenager is expected to be out for a month after dislocating his right shoulder when sprawling at deep mid-wicket in a vain attempt to cut off one of Nicky Peng’s 19 fours in a blazing 121 from 113 balls for Durham.The England A batsman also hit a six after launching the first innings in a stand of 102 in 16 overs with Andrew Pratt, but Durham were unable to kick on when Peng hoisted a catch to long on off Andy Bichel.Alamgir Sheriyar and Bichel shared six wickets as battling Worcestershire gave their batsmen a chance of conjuring up a spectacular result.