Kashif Ali said he experienced “the perfect weekend” after helping Worcestershire Rapids triumph over Leicestershire Foxes by 33 runs at New Road to maintain their 100% winning start in the Vitality Blast.
Kashif top-scored with 69 off just 44 balls as he played a key role in the Rapids recovering from 30-3 to reach a total of 183-7 and then restricting Leicestershire to 150-9.
It followed on from his favourite football team Luton Town defeating Coventry City on penalties in the play-off final to gain promotion to the Premier League for the 2023-204 season.
Kashif said: “There is a good feeling in the dressing room, and the boys are buzzing, and I enjoyed that today.
“It’s one of those days when it came off for me today.
“But the mindset for everyone is to be positive, look to score boundaries but be sensible with it as well.
“When we lost a wicket, the aim was just to rebuild for a little bit, assess which way (total) to target and then go for there.
“The pitch was one of those wickets where you had to assess and pick your options, and we succeeded.
“Knocks from Ben Cox and Usama (Mir) to get the team to 180 odd was really helpful, and then the bowlers did a great job.”
Kashif added: “For me, it was the perfect weekend, and Luton winning was great as well.
“The atmosphere was great at Wembley and here again today. It was the perfect weekend.
“I’ve followed Luton for a long time, and I go and watch them when I get the chance, although a lot of the time I’m up and down playing cricket or training.”
Kashif paid tribute to Usama Mir whose three-game spell at New Road ended with another important contribution with bat and ball.
He said: “Usama is a Pakistan superstar. The way he has played these three games has been really good, and the boys loved having him here.
“It’s always handy having someone like him in the team whether it is with bat or ball.
“I know he wanted to play county cricket and he has made a big impact.”
