ED Barnard revealed how Worcestershire’s batting depth had provided the platform for his match-winning partnership with Ben Cox in Saturday's T20 Blast semi-final.

The deadly duo came together in the 14th over with Rapids wobbling on 97 for six against Lancashire but thrashed 72 off 38 balls to turn the tide at Edgbaston.

Barnard played the supporting role with 28 from 19 balls while Cox top scored with 55, racking up three sixes and a four in four 19th-over deliveries.

From 133 for six at the end of the 18th, Worcestershire suddenly had a defendable total of 169 with Moeen Ali (2-16) and Pat Brown (4-21) the mainstays of restricting Lancashire to 149 for nine.

“I really enjoy batting with Ben, we complement each other really well,” said Barnard.

“It was one of those situations where we had to take a few overs to make sure we stayed in there and got towards the end with a few wickets in hand.

“Coxy then had that one brilliant over which got us up to a competitive score. It completely changed the game because halfway down the innings we were probably staring down the barrel a little bit.

“The way he played was outstanding.

“There is always pressure but you don’t think about it once you’re out there, you are just facing the balls and trying to build.

“We bat very deeply so all you’re thinking is about the next delivery that’s coming. Luke Parnell and Luke Wood are very capable so there was no pressure and I had no cause to panic.

“It allowed us to get through those couple of overs and have a bit of a bat at the end.”

The win teed up a shot at silverware, albeit after a long wait on the sidelines while Surrey and Somerset played for the right to face Worcestershire.

“It was an amazing feeling,” said Barnard.

“We probably did not perform at our best but still came out as the winning side so everyone was really happy.

“I have never done one of these days before, it is a new thing but knowing we were there (early) was no bad thing.

“The first hour flew by, I didn’t really know where I was but you do get to the point where you want to get the kit back on and win that trophy.”