Worcestershire’s 2nd XI suffered a 151-run defeat earlier this week during their three-day friendly with the South Asian Cricket Academy.
Chasing an imposing first innings total of 362-5, the in-form Rob Jones led the way for the Pears as he stroked a superb 72, whilst guest Daniel Khan added fifty to take the hosts up to 269.
After reducing SACA to 271 in their second innings, where Fateh Singh (2-85) proved the most frugal bowler for the home side, Worcestershire were set an imposing 364 to win.
Ben Allison’s fluent half-century from number five propped up the top-order efforts, but a lack of substantial partnerships saw the hosts eventually fall to defeat by 151-runs.
Worcestershire found themselves behind the eight-ball from the get-go at Moseley CC, as an opening stand of 102 put the visitors in the driving seat. The partnership was eventually broken by George Ealham (1-58), who trapped Khan LBW for a well-made 42.
Charles Jackson then had Perera caught behind by Henry Cullen for 31, as Worcestershire tried to press home their newly found momentum, aided by Fateh Singh’s dismissal of centurion Patel at the top of the order for SACA, with the visitors 197-3.
Singh returned soon after to pick up his second wicket when he trapped Mohammed in front for 29 in the 64th over of the innings, but at 262-4, Worcestershire’s bowlers continued to run-in and look for a foothold in the game.
Adam Finch and Harry Darley both bowled at an economy under four an over, but the seamers’ efforts went unrewarded as SACA declared on 362-5.
Plenty of batters made starts for the hosts, with five batters making scores over 30, but unable to kick on and make a sizeable dent in the chase.
Isaac Mohammed (33) and Henry Cullen (26) both started in fine fashion, but saw their cameos cut short just three overs apart as Worcestershire’s two young stars continued their promising starts to 2026.
Although Ben Allison was removed after facing just one ball, Rob Jones accelerated his team’s chase with a quickfire 72, facing just 36 balls and striking 12 boundaries in an eye-catching individual cameo that anchored the Worcestershire chase.
Despite Khan’s composed fifty and Harry Darley’s lower-order 33, regular wickets halted any progress as the Pears struggled to build partnerships and were eventually dismissed for 269, still 93 runs in arrears.
In a similar vein to the first innings, SACA’s batters made the most of their opportunity, with the entirety of the top four making scores over 30, extending their lead beyond 200 in the process.
Asad Azami (1-44) and George Ealham took a wicket apiece, whilst Fateh Singh helped himself to another brace of wickets as Worcestershire’s bowlers’ resilient efforts went largely unrewarded.
Declaring on 247-6, the home side’s task was a steep one, having been set a mammoth 364 to win.
Isaac (38) and Cullen (21) once again got started, before Allison made an impressive 58 from just 61 balls as Worcestershire made their way to 184-5, keeping their chances of an impressive win alive.
However, a comprehensive display from the SACA bowling unit saw the final five Pears wickets fall for just 10 runs, as Worcestershire ended their pre-season in defeat.
