Worcestershire Rapids Secure Victory Over Northamptonshire Steelbacks

NORTHAMPTON: On his debut for Worcestershire Rapids, Pakistani fast bowler Khurram Shahzad took two wickets, but Kashif Ali’s explosive innings of 88 runs from 46 deliveries stole the show, propelling the Rapids to a six-wicket victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks. This win bolsters the Rapids’ chances of advancing in the Vitality Blast tournament.

Khurram concluded his spell with figures of 2 for 40, notably dismissing Northamptonshire’s captain, David Willey, which played a crucial role in restricting the hosts to 152 for 9.

He also removed Ben Sanderson with the final ball of his bowling spell, who had briefly threatened a late surge.

Earlier in the innings, Adam Finch (3 for 28) spearheaded the bowling attack, dismantling the middle order, while Tom Taylor (2 for 22) inflicted early damage on his former team, leaving the Steelbacks struggling at 34 for 3 by the end of the powerplay.

Sanderson’s rapid 27 runs off 16 balls helped Northamptonshire reach a modest total after they had stumbled to 113 for 8. His aggressive hitting included a six off Ben Dwarshuis and 14 runs off Khurram’s second last over, before being bowled on the final delivery.

During the chase, Worcestershire faced early setbacks, losing Isaac Mohammed and Brett D’Oliveira to Willey (2 for 22). However, Kashif Ali shifted the momentum with a career-best performance.

His innings was characterized by seven boundaries and six impressive sixes, including a record-setting 127-run partnership for the third wicket with Gareth Roderick (36) — the highest ever for Worcestershire in T20 cricket.

Kashif achieved his half-century in just 24 balls and maintained control of the innings despite facing a painful yorker from Willey. He also hit a six off debutant spinner Freddie Pope before being caught in the deep off Sanderson.

Despite losing both set batsmen in the 15th over, Worcestershire maintained control, and Ethan Brookes’ swift cameo ensured the successful chase, resulting in Northamptonshire’s fourth successive defeat.