IPL 2018: Not Surprised by Rashid Khan's Batting Show, Says Yusuf Pathan

Sunrisers Hyderabad‘s (SRH) experienced campaigner, Yusuf Pathan during a presser admitted that Rashid Khan’s belligerent batting against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Friday (May 25) night, in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier second was not a surprise anymore.

Meanwhile, Rashid hammered an unbeaten 34 off just 10 balls at the end to guide Hyderabad post 174 runs on the board in 20 overs. Eventually, those extra runs proved crucial as KKR could manage 160 for nine in their 20 overs.

Moreover, the Afghanistan cricketer returned with three for 19 in his four overs.

Yusuf mentioned that the team management relies on Rashid’s batting ability. The Baroda-born cricketer also added that the young cricketer can hit towering sixes which he has proved in overseas leagues.

“He is a good cricketer and in Big Bash and other overseas tournaments, he has batted well, hit fours and sixes. He has the ability to bat and that is why he bats at number 8. Against Chennai (Super Kings) also he hit a couple of sixes. So we don’t doubt his ability and were not surprised,” Pathan said at the post-match press conference.

Rashid deserves the credit:

Heaping praise on the 19-year Afghanistan spinner, Yusuf said Rashid has been consistently doing well for the team in crunch situations. Rashid has performed consistently and led the bowling unit throughout the league.

“He batted and bowled really well, and when the team needed that he delivered. He deserves credit for performing consistently well throughout the season. We have seen him bowl well but today we saw him bat well too. The team benefited from that and we reached the final,” Yusuf added.

Sunrisers will now take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the grand finale at Wankhede in Mumbai on Sunday.

Yusuf lauded Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his team for scripting a historic return to the league. Having said that, he also admitted it will be an intensely fought game as they have got the momentum now.

In conclusion, Yusuf Pathan said that he is happy with his performance and the team management is also pleased with his efforts.

Also read: Cricket Fraternity bows down to Rashid Khan’s all-round show