In Wednesday’s match at the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by one wicket in a very exciting match. The hero of Pakistan’s victory was Naseem Shah, who gave the team victory by hitting two sixes in two 20-over balls. Naseem Shah credited confidence and practice sessions at the nets for hitting two straight sixes in the final over.
Naseem Shah already impressed with his fast bowling in the first tournament. But on Wednesday, he did wonders with the bat and not only gave Pakistan a thrilling one-wicket win, but also eliminated arch-rivals India from the tournament.
Naseem said after the game: “When I came to bat, I had the confidence to hit sixes. I practice hitting sixes and I knew I was going to throw to the Yorkers because I had fielders inside. I just tried and got it.
Naseem Shah had the confidence to play big shots in times of need. “We need confidence that we can play big shots, we keep practicing in the nets and I also changed my bat, it worked,” he said.
Naseem further said, “When you lose the ninth wicket, no one expects you to win, but I believed I could. I practice a lot to play big shots. It was a memorable match for me. Everyone forgot that I am a bowler.
When Naseem reached the crease, Pakistan needed 20 runs on 10 balls with two wickets remaining. The No. 10 batsman had previously played just one ball in T20 Internationals. When Asif Ali came out on the fifth ball of 19, the team was in trouble. Pakistan needed 11 runs in the last over and Naseem led the team to victory by hitting two straight sixes. Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the title match on Sunday.