25/7/05 - County become first Northants victim

The New Road side seemed in control for most of the match but the hosts' bowlers were able to build on a brilliant batting display from Riki Wessels to claim victory by 82 runs.

Resuming on 139-5 -- chasing 283 to win -- Worcestershire lost a wicket in only the fourth over when Zander de Bruyn was caught behind by Wessels off Johann Louw.

He was followed shortly afterwards by Ben Smith, who edged Monty Panesar to Martin Love in the slips.

Panesar's slow left-arm bowling was a revelation. It was only his second game of the season since returning from Loughborough University, but he took six wickets in 26.5 overs for 77 runs, including three maidens.

It followed another promising display in his last match when he took seven wickets for 181 runs.

Kabir Ali was Panesar's next victim, with a similar shot to the one that proved Smith's downfall a few overs earlier. Love was there again to take the catch in the slips.

Shoaib Akhtar was then bowled by Jason Brown for the bowler's second wicket of the innings but, more significantly, his 300th first-class wicket for Northamptonshire in 81 games.

Last to go was Matt Mason, who turned a short ball from Panesar straight to Bilal Shafayat at short-leg as Worcestershire were all out for 200.

Northants coach Kepler Wessels said: "I think we worked long and hard to get this first win under our belts. Hopefully, we can now go from strength to strength.

"It was a really good performance -- we came from behind quite a few times and showed real fighting spirit.

"Monty will definitely play whenever the pitch is turning.

"He's been back from university for only a couple of weeks and he's made a big impact straight away.

"It was an excellent surface to play on -- it offered something for everyone.

"I'm very proud of Riki's century and if he keeps playing like this he will be in the team.

"He is slowly starting to cement his position."