Worcestershire Secures Victory Over Durham with Key Contributions from Ali and Hose

Worcestershire triumphed over Durham by six wickets at the Seat Unique Riverside, securing their first win of the Vitality County Championship season thanks to half-centuries from Kashif Ali and Adam Hose.

Ali, remaining unbeaten on 76, and Hose, scoring 50, formed a critical partnership after the visitors were struggling at 65 for three. Their 129-run stand shifted the momentum, putting the game out of reach for Durham, who had seemed in control before lunch on day three.

Durham's second innings ended quickly, setting Worcestershire a target of 231 runs. Gareth Roderick's positive start laid the groundwork for Ali and Hose to achieve a crucial victory in the Division One relegation battle.

Ali, a standout player from the South Asian Cricket Academy, delivered his second half-century of the match, pivotal for Worcestershire’s first season win. Hose, with consecutive fifties, also played a crucial role in the victory.

This defeat marked Durham's first home loss in the County Championship since April 2022, bringing them closer to the bottom of the table. They now sit just 11 points ahead of Worcestershire, who hold the second relegation spot.

Starting the day at 148 for nine, Durham’s Bas De Leede and Ben Raine aimed to add runs but managed only four more before De Leede was dismissed by Ben Allison, edging to second slip.

In pursuit of 231, Worcestershire's openers, Roderick and Jake Libby, aimed for a strong start despite a challenging pitch. Roderick initially struggled but soon found rhythm, hitting a four off Matthew Potts and a stylish cover drive off Ben Stokes.

Although Worcestershire began well, a breakthrough seemed imminent. Libby survived an LBW appeal, and Roderick narrowly avoided chopping onto his stumps before Stokes dismissed him for 38 with a short ball, edged to Ollie Robinson.

Durham quickly claimed another wicket as Libby was caught at mid-wicket off Peter Siddle for 19, and Stokes bowled Rob Jones for one, leaving Worcestershire at 65 for three.

Ali and Hose then steadied the innings, reaching lunch without further loss. Post-lunch, they faced and overcame a barrage of short-pitched bowling from Durham’s attack.

Ali and Hose accelerated, taking 12 runs off a De Leede over and hitting several boundaries. Ali survived an LBW appeal on 33, while a costly over from Stokes added to Durham’s troubles.

Hose capitalised on Stokes' bowling, hitting consecutive fours, and soon both batsmen reached their fifties, with Ali from 77 balls and Hose from 86. Raine eventually broke their partnership, catching Hose behind for 50, but Ali remained not out on 76, steering Worcestershire to victory.