Khushdil Shah of Multan Sultans hit Islamabad United’s young bowler Akif Ajved for 29 runs in the 19th over of the innings in the ongoing Qualifier between the two teams in the Pakistan Super League. The over included four consecutive sixes as well. However, what got the attention more than his shots were his words during the innings break interview.
Asked about how he handles pressure and hit such straight shots, the 26-year-old replied, “Rameez Bhai, I am not just four out batsman (coming after the loss of four wickets). People think I ma just that, but I have had 8-10 centuries in the domestic circuit and I can easily bat in the middle order.”
“I come in at a time when I only have tailenders to play with, so I have to look to save wickets and also hit runs at the same time,” added Khushdil, who has played handy knocks of 40 (32), 18(11) etc. in the Abu Dhabi leg of the PSL 2021.
When he came to bat during this innings, the Sultans were 122-4 and soon lost established batter Sohaib Maqsood with the score at 137-5 in the 17th over. With just three overs to go and a ‘bowling all-rounder’ of some sort, Sohail Tanvir by his side, Khushdil did well to get the team to 180-5. This is also the first time in the Abu Dhabi leg that the Sultans have reached 180.
Khushdil too underscored the importance of reaching 180 as he said, “This is the first time we have reached 180 and I am sure our bowlers would be able to defend it.”
At the time of writing this, Khushdil words were sounding true as the Sultans bowlers managed to get three United wickets in just four overs.