Worcestershire Academy player Zain Ul-Hassan turned in two fine performances with the ball to help the Midlands make a double winning start in the Super Fours at Loughborough.
Ul-Hassan returned 7.4-0-29-3 in the 54 run success over the South West and then 9.4-0-38-3 when they defeated the North by nine runs.
But there were also useful contributions from fellow County Academy players Jack Haynes and Xavie Clarke.
In Game One against the South West, the Midlands were put into bat and totalled 258-7 in their 50 overs.
Haynes opened the batting and made 21 off 35 balls with three fours.
The South West were well placed at 104-1 but then Ul-Hassan dismissed opener C. Read for 50 and claimed the next wicket to swing the initiative towards his side.
The South West were eventually bowled out for 204 in 41.4 overs.
In Game Two against the North, the Midlands opted to bat and Haynes and Clarke both made 31 of their side’s 217-8.
Haynes, who batted at number three this time, struck three fours in his 53 ball knock and Clarke one six and two fours in his 36 ball innings.
After an early success, Ul-Hassan removed the eighth and 10th wickets to fall and in between Clarke brought about a run-out as the North were bowled out for 208 in 48.4 overs.
