Thursday, July 4th, 2024

Kashif and Smith make their mark in Division One averages

Worcestershire duo Kashif Ali and Nathan Smith are making their mark with bat and ball respectively in the Vitality County Championship Division One averages.

Kashif is lying seventh in the batting averages with 613 runs at an average of 61.30 from seven matches.

He has scored two centuries – both against Warwickshire at Edgbaston – and four half centuries in just 11 knocks.

The South Asian Cricket Academy product, who signed a new four year contract this winter, struck 72 (against Kent), 66 (Surrey) and 55 and 76 not out in the win this week over Durham.

Smith has made his mark as Worcestershire’s overseas signing with a string of consistent performances.

The New Zealander is currently lying 10th in the leading wicket-taker charts for Division One with 27 from seven matches.

They have cost only 21.14 runs apiece.

Smith had a best return of 4-29 – including four in seven balls – during the drawn game with Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

But this week he had two more four wicket hauls – 4-36 and 4-52 – in the  triumph over Durham at the Seat Unique Riverside.