Leicestershire captain Vince Wells believes crowd-pleaser Shahid Afridi is only just getting into his stride in county cricket.
The Pakistan one-day star has made a big impact since joining the county earlier this month as replacement overseas player for injured Australian all-rounder Daniel Marsh.
The 21-year-old hit a whirlwind 67 from 44 balls yesterday as Leicestershire put Worcestershire to the sword to claim a place in the C&G Trophy semi-finals with a 118-run win at New Road.
His explosive innings came just two days after another typically destructive 32-ball 70 against Kent in the Norwich Union League.
The two victories have put Leicestershire in with a great chance of a one-day trophy double and Wells feels Afridi has fitted in perfectly since his arrival at Grace Road.
He said: "He has been brilliant. He scored his runs very fast on Sunday and did it again today. He was awesome.
“What a player to have to come in and hit the ball like that. It was a fabulous innings.”
Afridi, who has represented Pakistan in 11 Tests and 113 one-day internationals, hit six fours and four sixes in his onslaught, including one six that lodged itself in the New Road stand roof.
Wells added: "Danny Marsh has played a big part in our season and obviously it is very sad to lose him.
“But what a player to bring in. He is a bubbly character and has fitted in the dressing room very well - and long may he continue smashing balls into New Road.”
Leicestershire cruised to victory after piling up a formidable 297 for nine from their 50 overs.
Worcestershire never threatened the target and the writing was on the wall for Graeme Hick’s side after a disastrous start that saw them slump to 89 for six. They were eventually bowled out for 179.
Leicestershire are now just two victories from a first success in the country’s premier one-day knockout competition but Wells insists his side will keep their feet on the ground.
He said: "We are realistic. We have to take every game as it comes.
"We’ve now got Kent in the championship and we have to concentrate on that.
"We had a big win on Sunday and a big win today but now we move on.
"The spirit in the dressing room is superb. Devon Malcolm has come in and added a lot and Shahid Afridi has fitted in perfectly. The team spirit is very good.
“We are sticking together very much as a squad. We are enjoying our cricket and long may it continue.”