SOMERSET captain Tom Abell hailed his team’s “most complete performance so far” after they cruised into the Royal London One-Day Cup semi-finals.

Tom Banton’s excellent 112 helped Somerset to 337-8 from their 50 overs, with valuable contributions from James Hildreth (38) and Peter Trego (37).

In reply, Somerset’s pacemen kept the Worcestershire batsmen in check before Azhar Ali tore through the lower order with 5-34 to complete a convincing 147-run win.

READ MORE: As it happened – Somerset cruise into One-Day Cup semi-finals

Abell said: “I think it is as complete a performance as we have put in during this competition.

“We have been a bit hit and miss but today we were outstanding.

“Bants [Tom Banton] was phenomenal up top and there were good contributions throughout the order.

“With the ball we were outstanding. We kept it really simple, took our chances and created pressure.

“Azhar is a class cricketer and incredible team man, so I am delighted for him to get a five-fer.”

Abell played a key role in the field, pulling off a series of fine stops as well as producing a super direct hit from cover to run out dangerman Callum Ferguson.

“We joke about it a lot because I seem to get a lot of opportunities without hitting the stumps,” he said.

“It was nice to hit them today.”

Centurion Tom Banton added: “It was a pitch that you never really felt ‘in’ on.

“With the lower order we have, we have to take it deep into the innings and today we did that, which was nice.

“It gives us confidence going into Sunday. Notts are a good team but on our day I think we can beat anyone.”

Abell added: “After a performance like that, naturally it gives you confidence.

“If we play like we did today, I would back us against anyone.

“They are a good side but we are right up for it and desperate to make the final.”