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India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer played a pivotal role in securing a thrilling victory for Lancashire against Worcestershire in the One Day Cup. With Worcestershire needing 15 runs to win off the final two overs, Iyer was introduced into the attack in the 49th over.
Venkatesh Iyer's Heroics for Lancashire
The previous over, bowled by Will Williams, had seen Worcestershire's Tom Hinley hit a six and a four, bringing his team within touching distance of victory. Iyer's over began inauspiciously, with four leg byes and a four conceded off the first two balls. The situation worsened with two wides and a couple of singles, leaving Worcestershire needing just four runs from eight balls.
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WATCH VENKATESH IYER's MATCH-WINNING LAST OVER
Iyer's Match-Winning Over
In a dramatic turn of events, Iyer made a remarkable comeback in the 49th over. With Worcestershire needing four runs off eight balls and a set batter at the crease, Iyer delivered a short ball that was mistimed by Hinley, resulting in a catch to Harry Singh at deep mid-wicket. The pressure mounted as Iyer bowled the final delivery of the over, trapping Harry Darley leg before wicket. This sensational over not only turned the match in Lancashire's favor but also secured a thrilling three-run victory. Worcestershire were bowled out for 234, unable to chase down the target.
“I really enjoyed that. Halfway through the innings they were dominating and then we took a few wickets to be back in the game. Certain games teach you the lesson that it is never over until the last ball. “I’m glad that I was a part of it,” Iyer said after the match.
“I was confident in that last over because I was bowling really well. If I was not bowling well, my confidence would have gone. But they were eight wickets down and so it just needed two good balls. If I got one the last batter would have had the pressure on them. So I didn’t give up. We have a good group and the way they were talking to me gave me a boost so that I thought we can still win this game," he added.
Iyer's Struggles with Lancashire
Venkatesh Iyer's performance for Lancashire has been inconsistent. With the bat, he has managed only 68 runs from five innings, averaging 13.60 with a strike rate of 80. His bowling figures are also modest, with three wickets from four matches at an average of 36.66 and an economy rate of 6.11.
Iyer's contract with Lancashire ends in July, and he is expected to return to India to participate in the Duleep Trophy. Despite his match-winning performance, Lancashire continues to struggle in the One Day Cup, occupying the last position in Group A with only two wins from eight matches.
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