LEEDS, England: Pakistan's thrill ride World Cup battle is alive because of a progression of chivalrous endeavors.
Against South Africa it was Haris Sohail, while Babar Azam lifted them at Edgbaston exactly when New Zealand were starting to look compromising.
On Saturday here at Headingley, it was Imad Wasim's go to wear the top of a superhuman.
Pakistan were looking in undeniable peril when captain Sarfaraz Ahmed left after a self-destructive endeavor for a twofold. Pakistan were six down and still required 72 more on a dubious wicket against a perilous turn assault.
Imad, who had taken two wickets to enable Pakistan to limit Afghanistan to 227-9, played maybe the most significant innings of his profession – an unbeaten 49 from 54 balls to enable Pakistan to make due in the do-or-bite the dust coordinate.
“I was disappointed at myself previously for not helping the team finish games but thankfully I managed to do it today,” Imad said after Pakistan’s three-wicket win.
Imad paid due credit to the team of Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz for their supporting jobs in the demise overs.
“Shadab was really good. I must say that Wahab Bhai played a very important role. He bowled with a broken finger and batted in pain. His six and four were very important for us,” he said.
Pakistan had ventured out to challenge Afghanistan following great successes against South Africa and New Zealand. With energy on their side, Pakistan should easily beat the base put Afghans however it ended up being an alternate story.
So did the Pakistanis enabled smugness to sneak in?
Imad doesn't think so.
“We weren’t complacent, no way. Afghanistan are very tough side. Especially in conditions that suit them. Today’s wicket was very good for their spinners. It was a very tense chase for us. Playing against Rashid Khan and Mujeeb on this wicket was tough. They are world class spinners.”
Imad more likely than not been under incredible weight particularly after the rejection of Sarfaraz.
“Not really. I never really think about it. Cricket is not a matter of life and death for me. I love my country and I go there thinking about giving my best.”
Imad trusts Pakistan's greatest misfortune in the second 50% of their run-pursue was the takeoff of Sarfaraz.
Pakistan need to beat Bangladesh in their last group match to keep their semi-final last hopes alive.
Will the Headingley alarm fill in as a reminder for Pakistan?
Imad is sure that Pakistan will beat Bangladesh and make it to the last four.
“Such results give us confidence. We are not scared of any team. I believe that if we give our 100 percent we can beat any team in this competition.”
Posts
0 Comments