Usama Mir thought he was joining Worcestershire Rapids for just a week long period and now is looking forward to a Vitality Blast quarter-final against Hampshire Hawks on Friday evening at the Ageas Bowl.
The Pakistan leg spinner made a big impression when initially drafted in for the opening three matches of the competition while Mitchell Santner was on Indian Premier League duty.
But Michael Bracewell’s achilles injury led to Usama being signed up for the remainder of the Blast campaign and he has played a full part in the Rapids success.
His three wickets in Sunday’s win over Derbyshire Falcons lifted his tally in the Blast to 17 with only Pat Brown (24) picking up more scalps for the Rapids in 2023.
Usama said: “I am delighted to be in a quarter-final. I thought I was only here for the first three games and really enjoyed those.
“It was sad to see Michael get injured but I got another opportunity and now we have got a big occasion under lights against Hampshire to look forward to.
“Hampshire are a good T20 side with some excellent players but we have also put in some fine performances.
“I want to play cricket all day and every day and will try my best to give a match winning performance for my team.”
Usama admits he had been feeling under the weather health-wise but felt better in time to face the Falcons.
He said: For three or four days I wasn’t well and the previous game (against Durham) I couldn’t do what I wanted to do.
“But on Sunday I was much better and was really happy to be on the winning side and to qualify from the group.”
