Hick steers Worcestershire home

By Ananova
June 20 2002

Graeme Hick and Vikram Solanki blasted quick-fire centuries as Worcestershire cruised to an eight-wicket victory in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy clash with Nottinghamshire.

Hick reached 117 not out and Solanki 108 as the pair put on a 195-run stand for the second wicket to guide their side to their 263-run target with six overs to spare. Hick played some trademark big shots on his way to a 96-ball century, while Solanki was composed and clinical in reaching the hundred mark from 110 deliveries.

Worcestershire restricted Notts to 262 for five from their 50 overs. Much of the praise for doing so must go to Allan Donald, who removed Nicky Boje for eight and bowled three maidens as he conceded just 24 runs.

Jason Gallian set his side on their way to their respectable total by opening the innings and knocking 69 from 79 balls. He was given steady support from Guy Welton, as the two of them put on 51 for the first wicket.

Welton departed for 26 after he pulled a full-length Stuart Lampitt delivery to Gareth Batty at mid-wicket. Usman Afzaal joined Gallian at the crease and they put on 82 runs for the second wicket. Afzaal had moved on to 42 when he was stumped by Steve Rhodes off a David Leatherdale ball in the 28th over.

Gallian went with the score on 163 after driving Matthew Mason to his Hick at mid-on. But while Gallian had guided his side to a strong position, Chris Read made sure the visitors would need over five an over in their run chase. Read, combining with Balal Shafayat (28no) in the final overs, hit 51 from 46 balls.

In reply Worcestershire lost opener Anurag Singh for nine, after he was run out from a throw to the bowler's end by Gareth Clough, when the score was on 18. But Solanki and Hick found the boundaries with regular ease, battering Paul Franks in particular. His eight overs went for 68 runs, as Hick dispatched 15 fours and two sixes, and Solanki a total of 16 boundaries.

Solanki finally went when he skied a Boje delivery to Welton at fine leg. But Hick was deservedly left at the end, alongside Ben Smith (16no).

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