11 Jul, 2025 | 12:32 PM

Gareth Roderick’s maiden T20 half-century rescued Worcestershire Rapids from a disastrous start and helped set up a thrilling 12-run victory over Derbyshire Falcons in the Vitality Blast North Group at the Central Co-op County Ground.

Roderick’s 71 off 57 balls – his highest T20 score – proved crucial after the Rapids had slumped to 10 for 4 inside the first 15 balls. He shared a vital 85-run stand with Ethan Brookes (34) to guide Worcestershire to a competitive 174 for 6. Derbyshire, led by an unbeaten 77 from veteran Wayne Madsen, ultimately fell short, finishing on 162 for 6.

The Rapids endured a nightmare start after being put in to bat. Isaac Mohammed, Brett D’Oliveira, Kashif Ali, and Adam Hose all departed cheaply, with Zak Chappell wreaking havoc in a fiery spell that included a double-wicket maiden. At 10 for 4, Worcestershire were in deep trouble.

But Roderick and Brookes led a remarkable recovery. Combining clever placement with calculated aggression, they rebuilt steadily, lifting the score to 75 for 4 at the halfway mark. Brookes hit two sixes before falling for 34, but Roderick pressed on, reaching his half-century in his 50th T20 innings — a long-awaited personal milestone. He added late fireworks with sixes off Alex Thomson and Chappell before being bowled trying to accelerate further.

Ben Dwarshuis added valuable late runs, including a towering six over cover, as the Rapids plundered 35 runs from the final two overs to post 174 — a target that looked improbable an hour earlier.

In response, Derbyshire also got off to a stuttering start. Aneurin Donald, fresh off equalling the Blast’s fastest fifty in his previous outing, was dismissed for a duck, caught behind off Tom Taylor. Caleb Jewell briefly counter-attacked but was bowled by fellow Aussie Dwarshuis for 17, leaving the Falcons 29 for 3.

Madsen played a lone hand, compiling a classy 77 not out off 53 balls, anchoring the innings with support from Ross Whiteley (23) and Martin Andersson (16). However, tight bowling at the death from Khurram Shahzad and Dwarshuis, along with a timely run-out of Andersson, left the Falcons needing 21 off the final over – too steep a task, even for the experienced Madsen.

The win keeps Worcestershire in contention for the knockout stages, marking a memorable night for Roderick and a gritty team effort after an early collapse.