Usama Mir: Worcestershire sign Pakistan legspinner as T20 cover for Mitchell Santner

[MenInG]

Worcestershire Rapids has signed Pakistan international leg spinner Usama Mir, one of the stars of the recent Pakistan Super League, for the opening three matches of the 2023 Vitality Blast.

Usama is available for the away game with Northamptonshire Steelbacks (May 24) and the home fixtures with Yorkshire Vikings (May 26) and Leicestershire Foxes (May 29).

The 27-year-old is available to provide cover for Mitchell Santner for those games should his side Chennai Super Kings qualify for the latter stages of the Indian Premier League.

Usama will be reunited with Central Punjab teammate Azhar Ali at New Road, who play together in Pakistan’s first class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

In that competition, he returned his career-best first class figures of 6-91 against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last October.

Usama made his debut for Pakistan in an ODI against New Zealand in January, and he has featured in a total of six 50-over internationals, all against the Black Caps.

He has taken ten wickets at an economy rate of 5.29, with a best of 4-43 in Karachi earlier this month.

Usama also significantly impacted the 2023 Pakistan Super League and finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets at an economy rate of 7.93.

He helped his side Multan Sultans to reach the final, and he had figures of 3-24 against Lahore Qalandars only to lose out on title glory by one run.

Usama was also part of the Muzzaffarabad Tigers team, which reached the final of the 2021 Kashmir Premier League and had his side’s best bowling figures of 2-25.

But again, he had to settle for a runners-up medal against Rawalakot Hawks, whose side included Worcestershire’s Kashif Ali.

Worcestershire Cricket Steering Group Chair Paul Pridgeon confirmed: “We have signed Usama Mir for the first three games of the Blast following Mitchell Santner’s side reaching the knockout stages of the IPL.

“He is a leg spinner who bats a bit, and he is already the country. He is playing club cricket for Colwyn Bay and got 140 odd for them on Saturday.

“He has played the last six ODIs for Pakistan and made a good impression, and he has also had a good impact in the most recent Pakistan Super League, which is a good pedigree.

“We hope that Usama can help us get off to a good start in the Blast before Mitchell joins us for the rest of the competition.”

https://wccc.co.uk/rapids-sign-*****...itality-blast/

[Energy]

Good experience for Usama. It's time now he takes Pakistan's front line spinner role for the next few years.

[MenInG]

Wonder if Azhar Ali had a role in this?

[Bewal Express]

Usama plays Sunday Parks league in Birmingham.

[CricVet]

A great opportunity to prove his worth ahead of WC and AU tour.

[Officer Barbrady]

Good for him! Deserves to get more recognition

[MenInG]

With CSK now qualified for the final stages of IPL 2023, Usama could get 3 games:

"The 27-year-old is available to provide cover for Mitchell Santner for those games should his side Chennai Super Kings qualify for the latter stages of the Indian Premier League."

Although....

�� �� New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell is set to be available for the start of the Vitality Blast.

Cricket Steering Chair Paul Pridgeon confirmed Bracewell would be flying from India this evening into England.

Full Story ��

�� #WeAreWorcestershire

— Worcestershire County Cricket Club (@WorcsCCC) May 22, 2023

[MenInG]

Usama Mir will make his first appearance for Worcestershire when he plays in Game Two of a Seconds T20 double header against Northamptonshire at Kidderminster on Monday (May 22).

The Pakistan leg spinner has been signed to play in the opening three matches of the Vitality Blast.

He will be a replacement for New Zealander Mitchell Santner, who will be on IPL duty with Chennai Super Kings after their qualification for the latter stages.

[MenInG]

Worcestershire turned their attention to the Vitality Blast and were able to get in valuable match practice ahead of this summer’s competition in two Second Eleven T20 matches against Northamptonshire at Kidderminster.

It was a dress rehearsal for the Rapids opening Blast fixture against the Steelbacks at the County Ground, Northampton on Wednesday evening.

Pakistan leg spinner Usama Mir made his first appearance for Worcestershire in Game Two after being signed as Mitchell Santner’s replacement for the opening three matches of the Blast.

Usama Mir bowled 2.5 overs for 24 runs.

[MenInG]

Usama part of the 14-man squad for the tournament opener for Worcs

[MenInG]

Impressive with the bat Usama 20*(7) in his debut game for Worcs

[Saj]

Fantastic debut for him:

20 not out off 7 balls
4-21-3

[gazza619]

Fantastic debut for him:

20 not out off 7 balls
4-21-3

Oh wow. Good stuff

[MenInG]

Fantastic debut for him:

20 not out off 7 balls
4-21-3

What a debut performance from @iamusamamir ��

Mir scored 20* (7) with the bat and finished with figures of 3-21 with the ball!#Blast23 pic.twitter.com/zRjD12UlJM

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) May 24, 2023

[MenInG]

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.

Worcestershire Media

[Saj]

He's in the starting XI tonight against Yorkshire.

[MenInG]

He's in the starting XI tonight against Yorkshire.

No wickets but impressive figures of 0/24 in 4 overs

[Saj]

A fine innings today of 32* off 15 balls against Leicestershire.

[MenInG]

A fine innings today of 32* off 15 balls against Leicestershire.

Highlights of his innings

A rapid innings from Usama Mir ��

He finished 32* from just 15 deliveries, including these five boundaries ��#Blast23 pic.twitter.com/3QOuR9JYyg

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) May 29, 2023

[MenInG]

A fine innings today of 32* off 15 balls against Leicestershire.

Highlights of his innings

A rapid innings from Usama Mir 🏎

He finished 32* from just 15 deliveries, including these five boundaries 👇#Blast23 pic.twitter.com/3QOuR9JYyg

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) May 29, 2023

[hitthestump]

He is kicking on in his whiteball career which is good to see. Who knows how much better he can get from here.

I would already say that if we get any turners in India i want to see him play alongside Shadab in the XI.

[Saj]

I have some friends who are Worcester fans and they love him there and want him to be signed on a longer term deal.

Having a very good stint so far.

[MenInG]

I have some friends who are Worcester fans and they love him there and want him to be signed on a longer term deal.

Having a very good stint so far.

2/33 in 4 overs including this wicket

He's at it again ☝️

�� #WeAreWorcestershire https://t.co/rzL5XTDuCn pic.twitter.com/lvBBnLpR6B

— Worcestershire Rapids (@WorcsCCC) May 29, 2023

[MenInG]

Usama Mir so far this season for Worcestershire:

32* off 15 balls & 4-33-2
9 off 8 balls & 4-24-0
20* off 7 balls & 4-21-3#Blast23 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/8wJABEnOwk

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) May 29, 2023

[MenInG]

Kashif Ali 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.”

[Saj]

Pretty sure other Counties will look at his performances and pencil him in as a pick for next season.

[Speedster1]

Would have liked to see more of him and would have been good for him also

[Mamoon]

He is a quality bowler in white ball cricket. He is clearly better than Shadab but unfortunately, the mistreatment will continue.

[Markhor]

Mir should be our No.1 white ball spinner now.

Shadab's limits have been apparent for a while. He'll have a purple patch before suffering an injury in a T20 league somewhere, loses form for a prolonged period and the cycle repeats. His offspinner-like action also makes it difficult for him to consistently turn his stock ball.

However I don't see Shadab not starting at the World Cup bar an injury.

[Saj]

Bracewell is carrying an injury.

I wonder if Worcester might extend Usama's stay at the club.

However PCB has asked him to return to Pakistan for a camp.

[Officer Barbrady]

Great to see. Even if Pakistan sideline him, he’ll have much deserved opportunities elsewhere in the future

[BunnyRabbit]

Miles ahead of Usman Qadir and Zahid Mehmood in all 3 disciplines who were selected ahead of him for 3 years.

[Muhammad Saad]

He must play in the worldcup even if in place of Shadab.

[davidba90]

Surely a county will swoop for him this season, already here at Colwyn Bay so no visa issues. Middlesex have an overseas berth vacant and struggling in all formats. Give him a call!

[MenInG]

Santner will join forces with fellow Black Caps player Michael Bracewell, who has played in all three of the Rapids victories to date.

Bracewell said: "Usama has done amazingly well on and off the field. He is a brilliant guy, and I wish him all the best."

[Saj]

Surely a county will swoop for him this season, already here at Colwyn Bay so no visa issues. Middlesex have an overseas berth vacant and struggling in all formats. Give him a call!

I might be wrong, but I don't think you can play for 2 counties in the same season.

[davidba90]

If that is the case then I guess he's stuck playing club cricket unless someone drops out of The Hundred.

[MenInG]

Usama Mir could be an answer to many questions on Pakistan's spin situation - plus he is a decent bat as well.

[hitthestump]

Miles ahead of Usman Qadir and Zahid Mehmood in all 3 disciplines who were selected ahead of him for 3 years.

Well he wasn't ahead of them 3 years ago. He was very leaky early on in his career.

[BunnyRabbit]

Well he wasn't ahead of them 3 years ago. He was very leaky early on in his career.

Yes his improvement started showing up last year. It's like he finally made the jump.

But Usman Qadir and Zahid Mehmood weren't good enough even 3 years ago to have been selected then. Zahid had one good FC season in 2020 that's all.