Davies leads the way for Worcs

Steve Davies scored a fluent 47 as Worcs picked up a victory against Ireland

Steve Davies led the way with 47 from 56 balls as Worcestershire secured a 52-run win in a rain-reduced 33-over Friends Provident Trophy clash with Ireland at Stormont.

Keeper Davies and Vikram Solanki made 53 off the first 10 overs to give Worcestershire a solid start and the visitors went on to post 180 for eight.

Ireland were reduced to 43 for five in reply with Gareth Andrew and Ashley Noffke conceding only 12 runs from the first eight overs.

Ireland battled on to 128 for nine thanks in the main to Paul Stirling’s defiant 51.

Worcestershire were without hamstring victim Kabir Ali and Solanki went through eight bowlers, four of them spinners.

Solanki himself picked up the key wicket of Stirling after he had hit Ian Fisher for three straight sixes. Stirling chased a wide from Solanki and paid the price as he was stumped by Davies.

Moeen Ali (1-23), Gareth Batty (2-20) and Fisher (2-42) ensured Ireland never looked like overhauling Worcestershire’s total.

Ireland’s best bowler was Kyle McAllan, who finished with figures of 3-26 from his seven overs.

Ben Smith did not field for the visitors after dislocating a finger while Kabir is facing up to six weeks out, scans having revealed a tear to his left hamstring.