Worcestershire moved closer to a second One‑Day Cup title thanks to Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad, who played a starring role in a 131‑run (DLS) win over Somerset at New Road.
The 25‑year‑old fast bowler, in his debut county stint, claimed 4 for 36 in a devastating opening burst that dismantled Somerset’s batting order and ensured Worcestershire advanced to the September 20 final at Trent Bridge.
After being sent in, Worcestershire posted a competitive 275 for 9, powered by Daniel Lategan’s career‑best 78.
Somerset’s reply quickly unraveled under the lights as Khurram Shahzad found his rhythm to lethal effect. The right‑armer removed Tom Lammonby and Lewis Goldsworthy with pace, then claimed Archie Vaughan with the help of a sharp catch at midwicket. His fourth strike came when Thomas Rew edged to slip, leaving Somerset in tatters at 108 for 7 in 23.4 overs before rain arrived.
The delay only prolonged the inevitable, and the visitors folded meekly for 141 all out.
Khurram Shahzad sits 14th in the wicket-leading charts with 12 scalps from 7 games.
Worcestershire and Khurram Shahzad will now face Hampshire in the final, after they overcame Imam‑ul‑Haq’s Yorkshire to reach the showpiece. Despite the loss, Imam recorded his fourth century of the tournament, taking him to the top of the run‑scoring charts.
The success of Imam and Khurram Shahzad in England not only bodes well for their futures with the Pakistan national team but makes them favourites to return to their counties in the future.