NATHAN Smith’s fabulous maiden T20 half-century inspired Worcestershire Rapids to a 20-run win against Notts Outlaws in the Blast.
Smith (51 not out) hit five fours and two sixes in his 35-ball innings to propel the Rapids to 154-8 from their 20 overs at Trent Bridge.
And the Rapids bowled superbly to restrict the home side to 134-7 as Tom Taylor (2-23) starred with the ball.
The Rapids made a steady start as openers Matthew Waite (11) and Ed Pollock (16) both fell in the third over.
However, the Outlaws took a flurry of wickets to leave Worcestershire in trouble on 58-6 as Josh Cobb (11), Ethan Brookes (6), Rob Jones (1) and Taylor (2) all fell.
Smith and Adam Hose (38) led the away side’s recovery effort and put on 82 runs for the seventh wicket before the latter succumbed to the bowling of Ben Lister (2-20).
And Smith deservedly reached his first T20 half-century in 33 balls as the Rapids finished on 154-8.
In reply, the Rapids made early inroads as Taylor, Smith (1-25) and Adam Finch (1-28) all struck to leave Notts on 30-3 at the end of the powerplay.
Just as the Outlaws looked to build some momentum, Taylor claimed the crucial wicket of Matt Montgomery (20) before running out Will Young (25) in consecutive balls.
And Hayden Walsh (1-25) took the wicket of Lyndon James (7) before Hose ran out Calvin Harrison (19) as the Rapids edged closer to victory.
Late runs from Tom Moores (20 not out) and Olly Stone (14 not out) proved in vain as the Rapids secured their second T20 Blast victory of the season.
Worcestershire are next in action against Northamptonshire Steelbacks on Friday, June 7 with the game to begin at 7.05pm at the County Ground.
