Worcestershire 222-5 (Santner 64, Haynes 44, Hose 42* Khan 2-29, Chappell 2-56)

Derbyshire 194 (Madsen 63, Came 43, Mir 3-35, Brown 3-38)

Worcestershire won by 28 runs

Despite battling hard as they have done all summer, Derbyshire’s interest in the Vitality Blast ended in defeat this afternoon, the losing margin one of 28 runs.

They were victims of a very professional and workmanlike Worcestershire side, who put the foot down from the get go and never really released it.

Derbyshire had to be on point in all aspects of their game today, and the bowling, a strength through the latter part of the competition, let them down. I take nothing away from the Worcestershire batters in saying that, because they played well, but we conceded 29 extras, which is far too many in a 20 over game. Our opponents conceded only ten and there you have a major reason for the ultimate result.

In Mitchell Santner Worcestershire have the perfect overseas recruit. He scores quick runs in the top order, then bowls cannily when the time comes. If I was to read tomorrow that he had signed for us next year, alongside Zaman Khan, I would be a very happy man and fancy our prospects.

Khan was again excellent today, but most of the others took stick. I was not impressed by the ‘match up’ that saw Mattie McKiernan bowling at Santner, when it was clear he was going to go for it. As happened last year at Taunton, when bowling to Rilee Rossouw, he disappeared for four successive sixes. He doesn’t appear to have a googly, so the Kiwi was free to hit with the spin and change the course of the game. 

I know they have a plan and a bowling order (which seems pre-determined) but today looked one of those days when the skipper has to think on his feet and change it.

Hose played a gem of an innings for Worcestershire, his contribution at the end taking the score past what appeared a likely – and within range – 200 to something considerably better.

Only during a fine partnership between Came and Madsen did Derbyshire look like they might make a match of it. The former has done very well since he came into the side, while Madsen finished the competition as he began it. It has been a pleasure to watch the veteran this season, his striking better than ever before. 

It needed one of those special innings from du Plooy, but today he was unable to deliver. The three spinners that I highlighted in yesterday’s preview turned the screw and Derbyshire ultimately fell comfortably short.

I will do a summary of my thoughts on the T20 during the week, but for now, Derbyshire must regroup and aim to finish the season strong in the remaining competitions.

Well done Worcestershire. And it will be interesting to see how Nottinghamshire fare at Taunton…