Shah takes five as Worcs end unbeaten run
Yasir Shah’s maiden five-wicket haul in county cricket was not enough to prevent Worcestershire ending Kent’s unbeaten start to the Championship season.
Centuries by Daryl Mitchell and Joe Clarke helped the hosts reach the 399 target with 19.1 overs to spare.
Mitchell was given excellent support by Moeen Ali (63) and then Clarke who in this game has recaptured his form with a vengeance in scoring two centuries in a Championship match for the first time in his career.
The game was another excellent advert for Championship cricket and see-sawed both ways before Mitchell and Co tipped the balance in Worcestershire’s favour after largely negating the threat of Pakistan wrist spinner Yasir Shah.
It was Shah who finally sent Mitchell on his way for 142 from 243 balls with 20 boundaries after a stand of 175 in 38.2 overs with Clarke.
Worcestershire resumed on 16-0 and openers Brett D’Oliveira and Mitchell extended their partnership to 52 before the former on 27 was bowled by a fine delivery from Darren Stevens which nipped back.
The occasional ball misbehaved off a length from the Diglish End but Mitchell and Moeen Ali were able to score freely during a stand of 112 in 22 overs.
An under-hit pull had led to Moeen’s downfall in the first innings but he profited from the stroke in reaching his half century off 47 balls.
The pair looked so much in control that it was a surprise when Moeen (63) aimed to work Shah on the leg side and was lbw to the last ball before lunch.
Clarke then joined forces with Mitchell and maintained the required tempo throughout the afternoon session.
The England Lions player had gone into this game without a Championship half century to his name this season but all his rich promise and potential returned with a vengeance.
After Mitchell’s departure, there was a slight concern for the home side as Shah struck twice more in dismissing George Rhodes (2) and Ben Cox (2).
But Clarke kept his nerve, passing three figures off 115 balls with 14 fours and a six, and some typical aggressive shots from Ross Whiteley – including two sixes – effectively sealed the win before he became Shah’s fifth victim with two runs needed.
Kent head coach Matt Walker said: “There was not a huge amount between the sides over the four days. It was a pretty even game up until the last day really.
“We fought our way back into the game really well on the third day and put ourselves intoa really good position.
“Today we just didn’t get it right. We didn’t bowl well enough unfortunately. The wicket got a lot better and we didn’t have the penetration to put enough pressure on them, especially early on to create chances.
“Mitchell and Clarke played extremely well. We are disappointed that we weren’t good enough today, probably weren’t good enough over the four days with the ball and certainly in the first innings with the bat.
“You think 400 to get on the last day is a pretty strong position to be in but, hats off to them, they played very well.”