Worcestershire Rapids Secure Victory in Vitality Blast

NORTHAMPTON: On his debut for Worcestershire Rapids, Pakistani fast bowler Khurram Shahzad took two wickets, but Kashif Ali’s explosive 88 from 46 deliveries stole the show, propelling the Rapids to a six-wicket triumph over Northamptonshire Steelbacks and boosting their chances of advancing.

Khurram concluded with figures of 2 for 40, dismissing Northamptonshire’s captain, David Willey, which proved to be a crucial scalp, as the hosts were limited to 152 for 9.

He also removed Ben Sanderson on the last ball of his spell, halting a potential late surge by the tailender.

Earlier, Adam Finch (3 for 28) spearheaded the bowling attack, dismantling the middle order with a fiery spell, while Tom Taylor (2 for 22) inflicted early damage against his former club, leaving the Steelbacks reeling at 34 for 3 during the powerplay.

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

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

His innings included seven boundaries and six towering maximums, featuring a record-setting 127-run partnership for the third wicket with Gareth Roderick (36) — the highest ever for Worcestershire in T20 matches.

Kashif reached his half-century in only 24 balls and maintained control throughout, even after receiving a painful yorker from Willey. He also smashed 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 remained in command, and Ethan Brookes’ swift cameo ensured the successful chase, condemning Northamptonshire to their fourth straight defeat.