Leading from the front for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast was Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter Michael Bracewell, who smashed 55 runs off just 27 balls to take his side's first-innings score to 226 runs against Nottinghamshire. In response, he also took one wicket as their opponents were restricted to just 170 in 18.2 overs.
The Michael Bracewell blast
Winning the toss and choosing to bowl first proved to be the wrong decision for the home team, as it proved to be the masterstroke that the side needed to post a tough total to chase down.
Bracewell opened the batter with skipper Brett D'Oliveira, and the duo stitched a partnership of 98 runs in just 6.5 overs. Brett D'Oliveira went on to score 44 runs off 21 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes. Bracewell continued after his partner was dismissed, with 55 runs in 27 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. Adam Hose came in at no. 5 and played an unbeaten innings of 51 runs in 27 balls with 3 fours and four sixes, taking the visitors to a total of 226 runs for 5 wickets.
Second innings furore
With a big total to chase down for the win, the Nottinghamshire charge was led by Alex Hales but he was all alone sans a late cameo from Shaheen Afridi. Skipper D’Oliveira took the game to the home side with a brilliant four for 11 in his two overs. Pat Brown took four for 25 as they were dismissed for 170.
Hales was at his usual explosive best, and with a strike rate of 202.85, he smashed 71 runs in 35 balls, with 8 fours and 3 sixes to his name. As the match slipped away from the English team, Afridi came in to bat in the 17th over and smashed 29 runs off just 11 balls at a strike rate of 263.63. His innings included 1 four and 4 sixes, with the maximums all coming off Bracewell's innings.
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