WATCH - One-Day Cup 2024: Venkatesh Iyer wins nail-biter for Lancashire with two wickets in two balls

After some splendid entertainment in the ongoing Hundred and the T20 Blast, it was One-Day Cup's turn to put on a show and it did, with Lancashire clinching a closely-fought battle against Worcestershire at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

Worcestershire, in their pursuit of Lancashire's total of 237, were in a precarious position at 129/5 at the 32-over mark when Venkatesh Iyer was introduced into the attack. After bowling five overs for 34 runs, skipper Josh Bohannon relieved Iyer of his bowling duties, replacing him with more potent an aggressive bowlers in terms of wicket-taking prowess.

However, it was Venkatesh's sixth over, the penultimate over of the innings, which toppled the game on its head. Venkatesh and Lancashire couldn't have hoped for a worse start, with the first two deliveries going to the fence, courtesy a leg-bye and a bye, respectively. Matters grew even more slim for the home side after Venkatesh faltered with his line to grant Worcestershire two additional runs in wides. Nevertheless, no one would have expected what was to follow. 

3️⃣ runs required to win.

2️⃣ wickets needed…

Over to you, @venkateshiyer! 😍

🌹 #RedRoseTogether https://t.co/CfuDnk44Oo pic.twitter.com/gNTFO2M6ml

— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) August 14, 2024

With two wickets in the kitty and only four to get from eight balls and a set Tom Hinley at the crease, a Worcestershire victory seemed the more probable outcome. Coming around the wicket, a short delivery by Venkatesh prompted Hinley to go for the glory shot, only to get caught at deep midwicket by Harry Singh.

Venkatesh then trapped the No. 11, Harry Darley, in front with a delivery which appeared to be sliding down the leg stump. However, it umpire Simon Widdup raised his finger in a jiffy to grant Lancashire an enthrilling three-run victory.