ALAN Richardson was singing the praises of his Worcestershire Rapids players following their six-wicket victory over Leicestershire Foxes in the T20 Vitality Blast on Sunday. 

The comprehensive win ended a run of four-straight defeats in the competition and lifted the Rapids to fifth in the North Group table, just two points off the top four sides who all sit on 12. 

The pressure was on the Rapids to stabilise the campaign after the run of negative results and they obliged on Sunday, cruising past the Foxes.

"It is always good to get a result but I thought the performance was exceptional and very professional throughout," a beaming Richardson said following the match.

"Despite the results recently going against us, performance-wise we haven’t been far away. As we know in T20 cricket it can be fine margins and the message was continue to do the things that we’ve done really well.

"It was to try and be as attacking as we can in the field and with the ball and show some intent with the bat.

"I think just a few results shouldn’t change how you go about that but it can be quite difficult, it can be a little bit about confidence but the boys have been fantastic, they’ve maintained that throughout and know if they put in performances, they will have chances of winning games."

The Foxes had started the game well, reaching 67/1 after seven overs, but were skittled for just 112 runs as the Rapids' spin bowlers turned the contest on its head.

Usama Mir recorded T20 career-best figures of 4-22 and captain Brett D'Oliveira (2-17) and Mitchell Santner (1-22) contributed to the damage inflicted on the Foxes. 

Worcester News: Usama Mir has the best bowling economy in the Vitality Blast at 6.1Usama Mir has the best bowling economy in the Vitality Blast at 6.1 (Image: Worcestershire CCC)

The Rapids then took their time with the chase and never really look troubled, losing just four wickets on their way to the total, with captain D'Oliveira scoring 51 not-out to maintain his impressive recent form. 

"I thought Leicestershire played really well in the powerplay, 56-1 after six overs, they showed that intent," added Richardson.

"But we then took charge of the game with the spinners. I thought Usama again was excellent. He carries that bit of mystery for us and that wicket-taking threat.

"Dolly and Mitchell also bowled with great control and threatened as well which gave us a stranglehold on the game and the opportunity not to chase such a big target."

Richardson also pointed out his skipper for particular praise, as he continued to have a brilliant season in both the T20 game and red-ball cricket. 

Worcester News: Brett D'Oliveira has scored 264 runs for Worcestershire in 9 Blast games in 2023Brett D'Oliveira has scored 264 runs for Worcestershire in 9 Blast games in 2023 (Image: Worcestershire CCC)

"He is incredibly modest but what we always see with him is that he puts his heart and soul into it," he said.

"He shows real high levels of skill in everything. In the field, he is exemplary, leads by example. With the ball, in T20 cricket his figures stack up brilliantly well because he is very effective. He has got a great cricket brain and is a very skilful bowler.

"With the bat, he has shown he can bat anywhere in that top order and he has really made that opening spot his own over the last couple of years and has helped us win games of cricket.

"He should take great pride in his performance today, not only just as a player but also how he led the boys as well."