Haider Credits Communication for Victory
KENT: Pakistan Shaheens’ batter Haider Ali attributes his crucial partnership with skipper Saud Shakeel to effective communication and tactical planning during their one-day match against the Professional County Club Select XI.
In his post-match comments at Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham, Haider mentioned that the early loss of wickets placed additional pressure on him when he came to the crease.
“I felt the strain when I walked in to bat. Because we had lost three early wickets, my aim was to form a strong partnership with Saud and stay at the wicket,” Haider stated.
He commented that initial pitch conditions were testing due to the weather, but highlighted the significance of being adaptable at the professional level.
“The pitch presented some challenges at the start, and the weather was also a factor, but professional players must learn to adjust,” he added.
Haider emphasized his existing familiarity with Saud, which helped them form a seamless and understanding partnership.
“Saud and I shared great communication; having played together before, we already had that understanding,” he explained.
The right-handed batter described how they strategically structured their innings by focusing on particular bowlers at different stages.
“With the wind coming from one direction, we chose specific bowlers and overs to attack and get the required runs. Saud is consistently encouraging and offers guidance during batting,” he noted.
Haider played an essential role in the chase, scoring 71 runs off 56 balls, which included five fours and three sixes. His 129-run partnership with Saud Shakeel helped save the Shaheens after a top-order collapse left them at 32 for three in 5.1 overs.
The Shaheens successfully recovered while pursuing a revised target of 204 in a rain-affected match reduced to 28 overs per side.
Following Haider’s dismissal in the 24th over, Maaz Sadaqat and Shahid Aziz offered vital support to Saud, who remained steady with an undefeated 72 off 72 balls.
Shahid made a significant contribution with 21* off just 11 balls, leading the team to victory on the second-to-last ball of the match.
Earlier, the Professional County Club Select XI were bowled out for 187 in 27.4 overs. Will Smeed was the top scorer with 84, while Maaz Sadaqat stood out with the ball, securing 3/28. Saud Shakeel and Faisal Akram each took two wickets.
The second match of the three-match series is scheduled to take place at the same location on Friday, commencing at 3 PM PKT.
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