WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids reached the One-Day Cup final with a comprehensive 131-run DLS victory against Somerset.
The Rapids posted 275-9 from their 50 overs as Dan Lategan starred with the bat as the teenager scored another half-century at New Road.
And Khurram Shahzad then ripped through Somerset’s top order before Ethan Brookes mopped up the tail at the Rapids dismissed the visitors for 141 inside 30 overs.
Worcestershire will play Hampshire in the final at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge ground on Saturday, September 20.
Somerset won the toss and decided to bowl only for Brett D’Oliveira (45) and Lategan (78) to produce an 85-run first-wicket stand.
However, Kasey Aldridge (2-78) eventually broke up the partnership with Worcestershire’s middle order unable to continue the momentum.
Kashif Ali (6), Jake Libby (17) and Rob Jones (13) all fell cheaply while Jack Leach (2-28) trapped Lategan LBW to bring an end to the teenager’s innings.
The flurry of wickets left the Rapids on 171-5 as Ethan Brookes (24) and Henry Cullen (32) helped push the home side past the 200-run mark.
And Matthew Waite (24) and Tom Taylor (22 not out) added some crucial late runs with the latter hitting three sixes in a 10-ball knock.
Somerset’s Ben Green (4-52) impressed with the ball while Tom Lammonby (1-39) also chipped in with a wicket.
However, the Rapids made a superb start with the ball as Shahzad (4-36) enjoyed an early burst to leave the visitors on 55-4.
Shahzad accounted for Lammonby (9), Lewis Goldsworthy (10) and Archie Vaughan (23) inside nine overs.
And Shahzad also claimed the scalp of Thomas Rew (0) for a duck before Josh Thomas (6) and Finley Hill (5) fell soon after to leave Somerset in trouble on 76-6.
The visitors managed to pass the 100-run mark before Ben Allison (2-24) took the wicket of Green (14).
However, the heavens opened soon after with Somerset still 113 runs behind the DLS par score.
The players returned to the field with Somerset needing more than 12 runs an over.
However, a blistering spell from Brookes (3-16) saw Aldridge (4), Leach (13) and James Rew (47) all depart as the Rapids sealed their place in the final.
