SKIPPER Moeen Ali praised Callum Ferguson's maiden T20 hundred from as Rapids opened up a three-point gap at the top of the Vitality Blast North Group.

Moeen, who made 65 on a slow Trent Bridge wicket, felt it was crucial to build a partnership with Ferguson and bat for as long as possible in testing conditions.

The pair duly obliged, adding 135 for the second wicket as Worcestershire totalled 206 for two and then bowled out Notts Outlaws for 134 in 17.2 overs.

Moeen said: “It was a great performance. I said to the guys at the start to just try to play our best cricket, if we do that we’ve got a very good chance of winning the game.

“We felt, especially after the first few overs, that it was going to be difficult and then managed to get a good partnership.

“We kept telling each other that it is going to be harder for the next guy coming in so let’s try to bat as long as we can.

“I felt I was a little bit lucky but Fergie was outstanding, someone who has a lot of experience.

“He took the pressure off me massively, especially when he hit boundaries early on. I didn’t really have to take much of a risk.”

The Rapids are in a strong position ahead of Thursday’s home clash with Derbyshire Falcons and two more wins will ensure a to-four finish.

But Moeen has stressed the need to stay calm in the battle to reach the last eight.

He said: “I said to the guys we’d try and take one game at a time and win games batting or bowling first so if we do get into the quarter-finals, we are not relying on chasing or batting first.

“We are just trying to stay calm about it. I know the guys are quite excited but anything can happen in T20. You can lose the next four.”