Afridi steals the limelight with T10’s first-ever hat-trick

Afridi steals the limelight with T10’s first-ever hat-trick
Sports |Muhammad Hammad|January 23,2018

 

Former Pakistan T20I captain Shahid Afridi on Thursday bagged a hat-trick to provide the much-needed fireworks to kick-off the T10 Cricket League in the UAE.

All-rounder dismissed three Maratha Arabian batsmen — South African Rilee Rossouw, West Indian Dwayne Bravo and former Indian opener Virendar Sehwag — to complete the first hat-trick in the newest format.

“When I told Afridi about the new format, he showed a lot interest and was excited about it. I knew he will do something big in the tournament,” said Habib Khan, owner of Afridi’s team Pakhtoons. “The 10-overs-a-side format promised more excitement for the fans as compared to T20. We couldn’t have wished for a better start to the event all thanks to Afridi’s hat-trick.”

Pakhtoons were asked to bat first by Marathas and courtesy Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 45 off 22 balls, the former were able to set a 122-run target Sehwag’s men.

In their reply, only two Maratha batsmen were able to enter double figures — Alex Hales (57 not out) and Hardus Viljoen (11) — as Pakhtoons bagged a 25-run victory after restricting Arabians to 96-7.

Afridi still fan-favourite: Imran Nazir

Pakistani right-handed opener Imran Nazir believes Afridi will always remain a cricketing heartthrob because of his ability to produce magical moments with bat and ball.

“Afridi has been doing this for many years now and his ability to provide excitement to his fans is unmatched,” said Nazir. “His hat-trick in the T10 league and that too by dismissing Sehwag was a treat for his fans.”

Former Pakistan ODI captain Azhar Ali suggested on Twitter that the T10 matches should also experiment with the number of players, since 11 cricketers seem too much for such a short match.

However, Nazir believes, like T20, players and team will need time to adjust to the 10-over format so that they can better utilise their playing elevens.

“When T20 was introduced, the pace of the game seemed to be too fast and players struggled, however, as they played more and more matches they got comfortable,” he said. “Players will adjust to this format too once they play a few more matches.”

He continued by praising Afridi again, saying his hat-trick has triggered more interest in the T10 league.

ICC UNDER-19 WORLD CUP

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to seal quarter-final berth

The 18th match of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018 was played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Cobham Oval in Whangarie on Friday (19 January). Pakistan sealed their quarter-final berth with a three-wicket victory in a spirited contest.

Hassan Khan won the toss and put the opposition into bat in the must win encounter for both teams. Sri Lanka found themselves struggling early on courtesy fine spells by opening bowlers Arshad Iqbal and Musa. Sri Lanka were soon 48/3. Their captain Kamindu Mendis was run-out, this was a crucial blow. It left the Islanders in a deeper hole, at 72/5 it didn’t seem like they’d cross more than 120. But thanks to Jehan Dainel’s 53 off 70 and Badara’s 37 off 56, they managed to put up a fighting total of 188. Suleman Shafqat took 3 and Shaheen Shah Afridi took 2 wickets each.

Pakistan started off their chase nervously; power-hitter Zaid Alam got out after scoring 28, leaving the score at 57/3. It was Ali Zaryab Asif’s steady knock of 59(94) which steadied the innings and helped Pakistan reach close to the finish line. Hassan Khan (24* off 45) and a late order cameo by Muhammad Musa (23* off 18) ensured Pakistan a win and a place in the quarter-finals. Sri Lankan bowlers troubled the opposition batsmen time and again but in the end their efforts fell short. Thisaru Rashmika was Sri Lanka’s best bowler with 3 for 47
Pakistan will face either New Zealand or South Africa in the Super League quarter-final stage of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018.