KASHIF Ali starred with the bat as Worcestershire Rapids eased to a six-wicket win against Northamptonshire Steelbacks.
Ali smashed 88 runs from just 46 deliveries at the County Ground as the Rapids reached the required total of 153 with 20 balls to spare.
Northamptonshire lost wickets at regular intervals with only Ben Sanderson (27) able to pass the 20-run mark.
Adam Finch (3-28), Tom Taylor (2-22) and Khurram Shahzad (2-40) did the damage with the ball to restrict the hosts to 152-9 at the end of their 20 overs.
Worcestershire looked in trouble on 3-2 in the third over of their reply as openers Isaac Mohammed (1) and also Brett D’Oliveira (1) both fell cheaply.
However, Gareth Roderick (36) and Ali (88) combined for a 127-run third-wicket partnership.
Ali hit seven fours and six sixes in a stunning knock which propelled the Rapids to victory with more than three overs to spare.
That came after the Rapids suffered a 41-run defeat against Yorkshire at Headingley.
The Vikings posted 233-6 from their 20 overs as James Wharton (88) and also Will Luxton (81) scored freely.
And Jordan Thompson (23) smashed three sixes in an eight-ball innings to boost Yorkshire’s total.
Rapids opener D’Oliveira (53) impressed with the bat in reply and formed a solid partnership with Ethan Brookes (38).
And a quickfire knock from Ben Dwarshuis (42 not out) proved in vain with Worcestershire all out for 192 in 19.1 overs.
Worcestershire are next in action against Derbyshire on Thursday, July 10 with the game to start at 7pm at the County Ground.
