Libby’s Twin Centuries Power Worcestershire’s Thrilling Chase in Draw Against Hampshire

Jake Libby produced twin centuries in a remarkable display of skill and determination as Worcestershire came within touching distance of an audacious run-chase against Hampshire before settling for a dramatic draw on the final day of their County Championship Division One fixture at Visit Worcestershire New Road.

Chasing a formidable target of 358 in just 53 overs, set up by Hampshire's bold post-lunch declaration at 313 for 7, Worcestershire mounted a thrilling pursuit led by Libby’s sublime 106 from 122 balls—his second hundred of the match. In partnership with Kashif Ali, who struck a fluent 65 off 79 deliveries, Libby gave the home crowd a glimmer of a famous victory before the innings closed at 303 for 8, just 55 runs short.

Hampshire’s declaration followed a purposeful second-innings effort earlier in the day. Resuming on 139 for 2, the visitors played with intent, despite a brief rain delay. Nick Gubbins led the way with a classy 84, while Felix Organ finished unbeaten on 45 from 54 balls. Contributions from Tilak Varma (38), Tom Prest (27), and James Fuller (26) kept the scoreboard ticking, as the visitors looked to force a result. Worcestershire's bowlers shared the wickets, with Ben Allison (2 for 58) and Ethan Brookes (2 for 54) leading the effort.

Set an aggressive target, Worcestershire’s chase got off to a rocky start when Gareth Roderick was run out for 4 in the opening over. However, Libby and Kashif turned the tide with a rapid 134-run stand for the second wicket, dominating Hampshire’s attack with clean stroke play and clever rotation of strike.

Kashif struck six fours and two sixes before falling lbw to Sonny Baker, who was Hampshire’s standout bowler in the first innings. At tea, Worcestershire were 61 for 1 from 15 overs and still in the hunt.

Post-tea, the drama only intensified. Adam Hose smashed 25 from 18 balls before being bowled by Eddie Jack (3 for 63), and further lively contributions came from Brookes (12), Brett D’Oliveira (37 off 23), Matthew Waite (19), and Taylor Cornall (25 off 18), all of whom kept the chase alive into the final overs.

Libby’s century—his 13th for Worcestershire—was a masterclass in control and timing, but his dismissal at 213 for 5, bowled by Fuller while accelerating, proved a turning point. D’Oliveira’s quick-fire cameo briefly revived hopes, but wickets continued to tumble.

In the end, Allison and Ben Gibbon safely negotiated the final overs, ensuring Worcestershire held on for a memorable draw in what was an entertaining and closely fought contest.

Final Scores:
Hampshire: 293 (Middleton 79, Weatherley 62; Taylor 5-55) & 313/7 dec (Gubbins 84, Organ 45*)
Worcestershire: 249 (Libby 100*, Hose 82; Baker 5-72) & 303/8 (Libby 106, Kashif 65; Jack 3-63)
Match Result: Draw