Match Details VS Kent Spitfires
Vitality Blast T20 Central and West Group: Worcestershire Rapids v Kent Spitfires
Venue: New Road, Worcester
Date: Friday 3rd July
Scheduled start time: 5:30pm
Match preview sponsored by MSN Pharmacy Group.
A first ever T20 meeting between Worcestershire Rapids and Kent Spitfires could not come at a more crucial time for Alan Richardson’s side, with Friday night’s clash set to be the most pivotal yet in the race for knockout qualification.
After an outstanding performance helped dispatch of tournament holders Somerset last weekend, the Rapids will be hoping to make it two wins in a row for the first time since the start of the competition.
The Latest
Rejuvenated on the back of last Sunday’s victory, skipper Adam Hose will be optimistic his side can emulate that impressive all court display against a dangerous Kent outfit this Friday evening, and launch his team into pole position in the play off race.
One man who has played a key part in the Worcestershire T20 charge this summer is Sikandar Raza, but the all-rounder will be eager to ensure his last appearance at New Road is a winning one, with the Zimbabwe Captain having his spell with the Rapids cut short due to international commitments.
It was bowlers Usama Mir and Matthew Waite who stole the headlines last time out with the ball, and will be looking to pick up where they left off this weekend after taking three wickets apiece to skittle Somerset.
Another player in form is Brett D’Oliveira, who reminded everyone of his value to the side with a cultured 41 not out from just 25 balls last weekend, but the all-rounder may well see his skills with the ball called into action on Friday to help negate the Spitfires.
Inside The Camp
Raza committed to going out with a bang in Rapids’ finale as Kent come to town
After a standout Vitality Blast T20 campaign, the World’s Number One ranked T20 all-rounder is bidding farewell to New Road this Friday, with Sikandar Raza returning to Zimbabwe having this week been recalled to represent his national side.
Two weeks earlier than initially planned, the middle-order batter/spinner has more than left his mark on a Worcestershire Rapids team still well in the hunt for knockout qualification.
Averaging 35 with the bat and boasting an economy of just 6.9 with the ball, the veteran all-rounder has been a stand out performer throughout the 2026 Blast for Alan Richardson’s side.
Forming a lethal bowling partnership with spin twin Usama Mir, Raza has starred with the bat also, producing some vital knocks for the Rapids in an experienced middle order including scores of 36, 47 and 42 which have helped guide Worcestershire to four wins from their eight games.
Raza is grateful to the Club for allowing him the opportunity to represent his national side, reflecting on a memorable spell at New Road over the last two months.
“Thank you very much to Worcestershire for allowing me to go and understanding what it means for me to leave and represent the national team.
“It is something that I hold really high in my head and my heart to wear the red and gold.
“I look back on my time with a lot of fond memories. It is a Club that is run by a family.
“I want to say thank you for accepting me, not just my teammates in the changing room but supporters and fans of the County who have shown me so much love and admiration.
“I have really enjoyed my time here at Worcestershire. It is a really nice mixture of experience and youth, and the coaching staff have allowed that the senior guys to lead the younger guys so credit to them.”
Tomorrow’s stage is set for a blockbuster encounter, with some history set to be made when the sides take to the field, as it will be the first time since T20 Blast records began that the two teams will have faced off.
Added to the fact that a potential play-off place awaits the victor, New Road is prepared for fireworks.
Keen to ensure the focus remains on the context of Friday’s clash with Kent, the influential figure underlined the success that has helped the Rapids navigate themselves into qualification contention.
“Every time we walk out to play we want to win, but we understand tomorrow lies a very different challenge.
“But we have a very good record here at New Road and a win would put us in a very good place to qualify for the play-offs.
“With Northants winning the other day, the number two team in our group don’t go too far ahead, and we still have to play them as well. But without looking too far ahead tomorrow is very important.
“If we execute our skills as well as we can then I think the result will look after itself.”
The Opposition
Captain: Sam Billings
Table position: 3rd
Last result: bt Hampshire Hawks by seven wickets
One to watch: Sam Billings
The Spitfires travel to New Road in an identical position to their opponents on Friday, third in the South Group, with four wins and four losses from their eight games played so far and fighting for play-0ff qualification on 16 points.
Last Sunday’s impressive win over group leaders Hampshire should serve as warning aplenty for Worcestershire, who will need to be at their best to stop the side who have shown their strength on the road by toppling Surrey earlier in the competition.
Central to their hopes, is the vastly experienced and T20 journeyman Sam Billings.
Arguably in some of his finest form at present, the keeper batter is enjoying a lavish T20 Blast campaign, averaging 67.7 with the bat, including a startling 84 not-out from just 37 balls on the opening day against Middlesex.
Squad vs Kent Spitfires
