BEN Smith has not given up hope of Worcestershire Royals reaching the semi-finals of the Twenty20 Cup despite last night's 20-run defeat against rivals Warwickshire Bears at packed New Road.

The County skipper admits, however, that his side face a tough task to qualify after losing two of their opening three group games.

He said: "There is always gong to be a way of sneaking in if results go our way. The best runner-up goes through to the semi-final as well, so hopefully if we put in a couple of good performances it will help.

"Now we are waiting for other teams to lose, but if we keep doing our bit the best we can then that's all we can hope for now."

The County's injury crisis increased when wicketkeeper Steve Rhodes suffered a hamstring injury during last night's game and he could be out for at least a couple of weeks. With second team keeper James Pipe already injured, Worcestershire director of coaching Tom Moody said: "We shall be looking for a replacement in the next couple of days."

After winning the toss Warwickshire batted first and made 175 all out off 19.4 overs thanks largely to a splendid 89 by man-of-the-match Nick Knight who clubbed three sixes and nine fours off 58 balls.

The County, depleted by injuries and international calls, were restricted to 155-5 despite an impressive 53 by the ever-improving Kadeer Ali.

The talented 20-year-old smacked three sixes and two fours off 36 balls and put on 90 in 11 overs for the fourth wicket with Smith, who notched 40 off 38 balls.

But when the last over arrived the County needed 26 runs to win.

Smith said: "We didn't quite click which was unfortunate. But those players who have been given a chance have started to work hard and I think we are coming together."

The setback means the County must now win their last two group matches to stand any chance of reaching the last four.