RIKI Wessels came within three runs of his first century wearing Worcestershire’s colours before a six-hitting blitz from Ed Barnard sealed a splendid four-wicket win over Warwickshire in a 50-over friendly at Edgbaston.

New signing Wessels raced to 97 off just 51 deliveries and then Barnard smashed his way to an unbeaten 78 off 31 balls as the Rapids chased down a 404 target with 29 balls to spare.

Wessels, who has signed a three year contract with Worcestershire, struck five sixes and 14 fours – a total of 86 in boundaries.

Wessels dominated an opening stand of 75 with Josh Dell (20) before adding a further 58 for the second wicket with Tom Fell (30).

The South African was finally bowled by Kamau Leverock with the total on 133 to bring an end to his explosive knock.

George Rhodes (2) was lbw to Alex Thomson but skipper Brett D’Oliveira made 33 off 32 balls and Ross Whiteley and Alex Milton maintained the Rapids momentum.

Whiteley made 68 off 41 balls before being caught at long on but Milton kept the run chase in full flow. Barnard then entered the arena and struck nine sixes and three fours as he and Milton – 62 not out from 59 balls – took the Rapids over the finishing line.

Earlier, Josh Tongue was the pick of the Worcestershire bowlers, finishing with figures of 2-41 from his nine overs as Warwickshire totalled 403-7.