Shrewsbury silenced the former world No 1 batsman as Wellington claimed a remarkable victory on a dramatic weekend of Birmingham League premier division action.

While Pakistani ace Mohammad Yousuf managed just one against Shrewsbury, their Shropshire rivals were snatching victory from the jaws of defeat at West Bromwich Dartmouth to go third in the table.

Wellington looked down and out as hosts Dartmouth required just nine runs with five wickets in hand and more than 30 overs remaining in their pursuit of 162 for victory.

But South African Simon Khomari took 3-10 and Wendell Wagner – bowling off spin on a pitch offering turn – claimed two wickets to amazingly bowl out Dartmouth three runs short.

Seamer Mark Downes had earlier taken 4-52 with the new ball.

“It was just remarkable,” said delighted spokesman Terry O’Connor.

“Nobody really distinguished themselves with the bat but it was a fantastic performance to get the win.

“The most important thing was that even when the game looked gone, we just kept plugging away.”

It was a gripping day at Smethwick where Shrewsbury’s nine wicket victory over the bottom club saw them climb into sixth spot – but the game was almost abandoned because of a dangerous pitch.

Yousuf, who averages over 50 in Test cricket, managed just one on his Smethwick debut before edging Joe Leach behind to keeper Ryan Bishop as the hosts were dismissed for just 88.

But that only told half the story.

“Three or four balls reared up dangerously off a length and there was some talk about calling the game off,” confirmed Shrewsbury captain Ed Foster.

“We took Paul Donaldson off after four overs because he is a bit taller and was getting the ball to rear up more than anyone.

“We thought if he continued the game would be called off, but we were just happy to get it done.”

Mike Barnard took 5-13 and his brother Steve 3-18 before Shrewsbury got home inside 18 overs with Bishop finishing unbeaten on 53.

By JAMES GARRISON