AN injury to Shakib Al Hasan failed to take the gloss off Worcestershire Royals’ third successive Clydesdale Bank 40 Group ‘A’ victory.

The Bangladeshi all-rounder injured his hip on his way to a fine 91 and was unable to take to the field and bowl as the Royals earned a 49-run success over group leaders Somerset Sabres at New Road and moved off the foot of the table.

The 23-year-old has strained his hip and is doubtful for tomorrow’s trip to Surrey Lions.

But Shakib’s injury didn’t stop him from hitting his best one-day score for Worcestershire as the County put on 255-9 in their final home CB40 match of the season.

The Bangladesh vice-captain fell nine short of what would have been a deserved century in front of one of the best crowds at New Road this season. Shakib reached his 50 off just 40 balls, striking four fours before stepping on the gas.

Needing 11 for his maiden County century, Shakib called for a runner as his hip was causing him pain.

With the hundred in sight, the world’s number one one-day international all-rounder tried to scoop Alfonso Thomas for four, only to be bowled behind his legs.

Earlier in Worcestershire’s innings, former skipper Vikram Solanki got the Royals off to a fine start as he batted beautifully. However, he was first to fall as he chipped former Worcestershire second XI player Peter Trego to Murali Kartik at mid-wicket.

Moeen Ali reached his 50 off 54 balls but, unlike against Glamorgan eight days ago, he was unable to push on for a century and was bowled by Zander de Bruyn next delivery.

Thomas was the pick of the Sabres attack despite an expensive first spell which saw his opening three overs go for 27, but he came back and claimed 4-50.

With Shakib unable to come out and field, Worcestershire made a fine start with the ball as Jack Shantry opened with a maiden before removing one of the Sabres many dangermen.

Opener and skipper Marcus Trescothick fell for just one when Ben Cox, standing up to the stumps, took a fine catch to remove the former England batsman.

Shantry and Alan Richardson then ripped through the Sabres top order, reducing them to 41-5, with only Craig Kieswetter offering any resistance with a run-a-ball 50.

The England one-day wicketkeeper went on to post a century sixth-wicket stand with Trego as the County back-up bowlers struggled to break the partnership.

Kieswetter reached a 97-ball century before Shaaiq Choudhry broke the partnership when Trego (35) hit him to Solanki. Once the England gloveman went, the Royals closed out their third successive victory as the Sabres could only reach 206-9.