Worcestershire secure their first win of the county season with Ali heroics

An outstanding Kashif Ali and Adam Hose partnership secured Worcestershire their first victory of the season away at Durham.

The Pears' six-wicket win marks their first in the Vitality County Championship this campaign, after a fantastic batting performance at the Seat Unique Riverside stadium.

Worcestershire were set a target of 231 when the Durham innings was quickly wrapped up when Ben Allison dismissed Bas de Leede for his second wicket.

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Openers Gareth Roderick and captain Jake Libby began the chase with a stable stand of 56.

However, the match-winning pairing was the fourth wicket stand of 129 runs by Ali and Hose.

The duo removed the bite from Durham's bowling attack, with Hose finishing on exactly 50, and Ali hitting an exquisite unbeaten 76.

Ali then partnered with Ethan Brookes (20) to guide the team over the finishing line at about 5pm on the third day.

The victory serves as a massive boost for Worcestershire, marking their first red ball win since being promoted from Division Two.

While batters took the glory, the magnificent efforts of the bowlers kept the Pears in the game after a disappointing 112 in the first innings.

Nathan Smith distinguished himself with an incredible eight wicket haul, increasing his season tally to 27.

The efforts of Tom Taylor, Ben Allison and Matthew Waite, who shared twelve wickets between them, also played a significant role in securing the win.

Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson said: "It’s been a struggle of a year really, we knew we had to play some good sides and play some really good cricket.

“When you’ve gone so long without winning, you doubt yourselves a little but I’m immensely proud of the boys and how they’ve fought their way through over the last couple of days."

Speaking on the heroics of Ali across both innings, Richardson added: "Kash has been fantastic for us since he’s joined us.

"Primarily his strength has been white ball cricket but he has worked incredibly hard on his red ball game.

"To get two fifties on this pitch and against this attack is an amazing effort in a winning cause."