Rashid dedicates award to brother
MOHALI Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) would be thanking Rashid Khan for his superb match-winning spell against Kings XI Punjab during the IPL match at the Punjab Cricket Stadium on Friday. Rashid’s brilliant display of leg-spin stopped the Shaun Marsh-Eoin Morgan juggernaut which was pushing Kings XI to a successful chase.
For his effort, Rashid Khan was given the Man of the Match award, which he dedicated to his brother. “I would like to dedicate this award to my brother,” said Rashid. “He has prayed for me and this goes to him.”
The 18-year-old Afghanistan spinner bowled four overs, giving away 16 runs, and most importantly, grabbed Morgan’s wicket that tilted the match in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s favour.
With Kings XI Punjab on a roll and needing 141 runs off 13 overs, Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Warner introduced Rashid into the attack. The Kings XI Punjab duo looked uncomfortable against the leggie and Morgan fell prey to him when he was caught at the deep while on 26.
Enjoying his maiden Indian Premier League stint, Rashid, who has played 26 ODIs and 24 T20s for Afghanistan cricket team, said, “It was great to win the game the way we did.
“The IPL experience playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad has been life-changing,” he added. “Most of the Asian wickets are spin friendly, so it is wonderful bowling on the Indian wickets, that too with a legendary bowler like Mutthiah Muralitharan as the coach. I have been working hard with him during the practice sessions. He infuses confidence in me which motivates me to go out there and give me best.”
Afghanistan, war-torn and in turmoil, sees Rashid and off-spinner Mohammed Nabi as role models.
“The whole of Afghanistan is backing me and Nabi,” said Rashid. “They are praying for our success and keeping a check on the Sunrisers matches. It feels amazing to get such following. Our countrymen have been supporting us with all their heart and soul. IPL is considered big back home and we taking part in it is are making them feel proud.”
Rashid explained what sporting success means to Afghanistan.
“It means a lot to them that the players of the nation have progressed and doing well in a sport internationally,” he said. “It gives the youngsters a positive message. It doesn’t matter if you are from an Associate nation, if you work hard insha allah anything can be achieved.”