Usama Mir says he is living the dream of playing Vitality Blast cricket for Worcestershire Rapids and is determined to make as big an impact as possible during his short spell at New Road.
The Pakistan leg spinner had a Blast debut to remember in the 15-run win over Northamptonshire Steelbacks at the County Ground, Northampton on Wednesday evening.
He smashed 20 not out from just seven balls with two enormous sixes and then bamboozled the Steelbacks batters during his spell of 3-21 from four overs.
Now Usama, who was already in this country playing weekend cricket for Colwyn Bay, is relishing the prospect of making his Rapids home debut against Yorkshire Vikings on Friday evening (5.30pm start).
Usama, who plays in the same Central Punjab side in Pakistan as Azhar Ali, said: “I followed county cricket when I was a kid, so it is like a dream come true for me to get a chance to play for Worcestershire.
“Thanks to each and everyone at Worcestershire and, as a player, when you debut for the team and you give a match-winning performance, you can’t ask for anymore.
“When I landed here, I scored a hundred for Colwyn Bay and had quite good T20 practice in league cricket and getting good alignment before the T20.
“As a cricketer, I want to give a match-winning performance, whether batting or bowling. I always try my best for the team, and I want success.
“I’m only here for three games, but I want to give my best and leave an impact.
“It’s my first time in the Blast, and I want to give it my best shot and, hopefully, in the next two games, produce more good performances.
“I’m looking forward to and am excited for the chance to play at home. From the Northamptonshire game, I got a lot of confidence, and I will try and continue this confidence and play and give it my best shot in the home games as well.”
Usama says playing alongside Azhar is a massive learning experience for him.
He said: “Azhar is a very senior player with much experience. I’m glad to have him in my team. I’m still learning from him.
“When you have players like him in your team, you are learning every day.
“I spoke to him before the game on Wednesday, and he told me what kind of environment there is in county cricket and what you have to do. It meant I was quite prepared before the game.”
Usama also has connections with Worcestershire batter Kashif Ali and Assistant Head Coach Kadeer Ali.
He said: “I know Kashif from when I was playing in the Kashmir Premier League in Pakistan. We have quite mutual friends, and they told me to look after him in Pakistan.
“We spent a lot of time together in Pakistan, so we are quite close, like brothers, so while I’m over here, he is looking after me.
“Kaddy, I also know well. Last year I was playing local cricket, Sunday League, so I played against Kaddy, and we had a chat after the game, and he helped me a lot.
“He was always in touch with me when I was in Pakistan, and when I was hoping to get a contract for three games, he was in touch with me.
Head Coach Alan Richardson has announced an unchanged 14-strong squad to face the Vikings, the 11 players in action against the Steelbacks, plus Taylor Cornall, Matthew Waite and Dillon Pennington.
