Worcestershire Rapids star Usama Mir took three wickets as he helped Worcestershire to a comprehensive victory over Warwickshire Bears on Friday night.
In front of a sell-out New Road crowd, hopes were high that the Rapids could bounce back from last Sunday’s defeat to Northants – a job that Alan Richardson’s side did in style.
After setting the pace with three wickets in the powerplay, Mir produced a fine spell to take 3-27, season best figures to date, that put the skids under the Bears who weren’t given any room to breathe.
Mir, enjoying his second stint at New Road, said he was delighted to be contributing for the Rapids on the biggest day in the calendar.
“It is an absolutely amazing feeling, beating the Bears at home in front of a packed crowd at New Road.
“In front of Sky cameras, to bounce back from last week was great.
“We had a plan in our team meeting this week to hold them to roughly 150, so to restrict them to 141 was exactly what we wanted.
“It was also part of our plan for me and Sikandar to rotate. I bowled one over, then him one, and I got those wickets when the team needed it.
“It was coming out really nicely, but you feel happy when you get the main batters out, that is your job as a pro, to bowl those good areas and take wickets.
After an accomplished performance with the ball restricted the Bears to 141 at the halfway stage, the Rapids chase was an asserted and composed one.
Brett D’Oliveira and Isaac Mohammed added 44 for the first wicket, in an enterprising powerplay that saw the skipper take the lead role.
Kashif Ali (36 off 30) and Adam Hose (23 off 19) added 47 in a crucial third wicket stand, and once Sikandar Raza got himself set, the Rapids route to victory was straightforward.
Mir, said the professional and clinical nature of the performance tee’d up a memorable six-wicket win.
“I think overall that was a really good day, our fielding was really good, our catching was good and it helps with confidence when you are trying to restrict a team.
“The partnership at the top set the platform, but that partnership between Kash and Hosey was the key one.
“They managed the period and played really well given the situation, there was some excellent shots in that partnership.”
