Worcestershire cruised to a commanding 183-run win against Middlesex in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at New Road, thanks to record-setting centuries from Ed Pollock and Gareth Roderick. The duo set a new record for Worcestershire's highest first-wicket partnership in List A cricket, amassing 259 runs in just 35.2 overs. This impressive stand surpassed the previous record of 243 set by Brett D'Oliveira and Jack Haynes against Essex.
Pollock scored a career-best 180 off 138 balls, including five sixes and 21 fours, marking his second century in four days following his 120 not out against Wales in a warm-up match. His innings are now the joint second-highest individual score for Worcestershire in List A cricket, tied with Tom Moody and only behind Callum Ferguson's 192. Roderick provided strong support with 115 runs from 104 balls, featuring five sixes and 10 fours.
Middlesex, in reply, struggled from the outset as Worcestershire's debutant bowlers made early breakthroughs. Harry Darley, playing his first One-Day Cup match, took three quick wickets with the new ball, including key dismissals of Sam Robson and Joe Cracknell. Jack Home also took three wickets, further decimating the Middlesex lineup, which was all out for 188 in just 25.4 overs despite Mark Stoneman's brisk 75 off 37 balls.
Worcestershire fielded a highly inexperienced bowling attack due to numerous absences from injury and illness, including players like Joe Leach and Adam Finch. Six players made their One-Day Cup debuts, including Darley and Home, as well as short-term signings Tom Hinley, Hishaam Khan, and Tommy Sturgess. Middlesex, missing key players due to the Hundred tournament, also handed debut starts to Nathan Fernandes and Noah Cornwell.
Put in to bat first, Pollock and Roderick gave Worcestershire a blazing start, reaching a century partnership in just 16.3 overs. Pollock was the more aggressive early on, hitting his half-century off 45 balls. Roderick soon followed, completing his fifty off 62 balls and later reaching his century in 92 balls. Their partnership ended when Roderick was bowled by Fernandes for 115, but not before setting a strong foundation.
Pollock continued his assault, adding another 93 runs with Rob Jones before being caught at long-on, trying for another big shot. The strong batting performance set Middlesex a daunting target, which proved too much as they succumbed to Worcestershire's bowlers, sealing a comprehensive victory for the hosts.