Asif Ali
Asif Ali. Image-Twitter

Pakistan’s middle-order batsman Asif Ali revealed that he has been waiting for opportunities to finish matches as he has been practising the role of a finisher in the nets for a while now. Asif stunned Afghanistan last night, winning the match for his team by hitting four sixes in the penultimate over.

Pakistan had lost the grip on the game after some excellent bowling by Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq. They needed 24 runs from the last two overs, with Asif being the last recognized batsman. He finished the job in the 19th over itself, smoking four sixes off Karim Janat to take his side to their third consecutive win.

I have practiced a lot in the nets for this role. I asked my coaches also to prepare me for the last 5-6 overs of batting. And the good part is they worked on my role and the result is also there for everyone to see.”

Asif Ali
Asif Ali (Image: Twitter)

It doesn’t make a difference to me what people say on the social media about me. I don’t see anything there and I stay away from it. The team needs me and I am here, the good thing is I am in form as I was playing in domestic cricket and playing for other leagues as well,” Asif said in a press conference after last night’s game.

“Babar Azam played a very important innings” – Asif Ali

Asif Ali further stated that his captain and opener, Babar Azam, played a crucial knock at the top and guided the side closer to the target. Babar was in his usual elements till he reached his fifty, but lost the plot against Rashid Khan, who had the better on the night.

I think Babar Azam played a very important innings. He anchored the innings and allowed us to chase the target down. His role is such that everybody plays around him and that has been the plan of the coaches and management.

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan (Image: Twitter)

Speaking about the international level, it is tough to play at No.6 or 7. Statisticians don’t see how many balls we get to face and start criticizing us for poor performances. They need to understand the role of a middle-order batsman [in T20 cricket],” Asif added.

Asif was also crucial in Pakistan’s win against New Zealand earlier this week. With the win, Pakistan has all but guaranteed a slot in the semifinals, and it’s more about who joins them there from the group.

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