T20 World Cup 2021: The Role In CSK Is Very Important For Me - Moeen Ali Credits IPL Experience After His Match-Winning Spell vs West Indies

England all-rounder Moeen Ali credited his stint with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the IPL 2021 for shaping up his game and boosting confidence in him after he pinned the West Indies batting line-up in the powerplay of England’s first match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

Moeen Ali registered figures of 2/17 in his 4 overs, which also included a wicket-maiden, helping England take control in the powerplay before Adil Rashid’s four-wicket haul bowled West Indies out for 55.

He was one of the star performers for CSK – the left-hander scored 357 runs at a strike rate of 137 and bowled at an economy of 6.36. He also played a blazing knock of 37* off 20 balls in the final versus KKR.

Moeen Ali stated that he felt “felt comfortable and involved” under the MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming managed side. He reckoned that playing in the playoff matches gave him vital experience before the T20 World Cup.

“The role in that team (CSK) is very important for me, I felt comfortable and involved with both bat and ball and on the field too. It is great to be playing those big games like the semifinals and finals and then coming to the World Cup,” Moeen Ali said after England’s win.

I have been bowling alright in the nets: Moeen Ali

The off-spinner was given the new ball and bowled four overs on a trot. He was thumped for a six by Evin Lewis in the first over, but then stormed back with a wicket-maiden, dismissing Lendl Simmons, caught in the deep.

Then, after being struck for a couple of boundaries by Shimron Hetmyer, Moeen Ali had the last laugh over the left-hander, who was caught by Morgan. He would close out his spell with a 2-run over.

The 34-year-old talked about his preparations going into this big game against the defending champions.

“It gives you confidence, my first over was nice until that six, but yes it does give you confidence. It helps with so many left-handers in their team, but I have been bowling alright in the nets, quite confident and as I have been playing cricket, I was not that nervous,” the off-spinner explained.

Chasing down the target of 56 in 8.2 overs, England have taken a healthy net run rate of +3.970. Eoin Morgan’s team will next face Bangladesh on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi

Also Read: People Are Trying To Dig Up Things That Doesn’t Exist – Virat Kohli Left Irritated On Being Asked About Decision Of Leaving T20I Captaincy