Ashraf reveals how Shadab’s tips helped
sharjah — Islamabad United and Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf revealed that teammate Shadab Khan’s advice during the innings break played a part in him going on to take two wickets in the team’s win over Peshawar Zalmi.
Islamabad United, the defending champions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), defended a modest total of 158, with Muhammad Musa taking three wickets and captain Mohammad Sami finishing with a hat-trick.
And Ashraf said that seeing things from leg spinner Shadab’s perspective worked.
“We made a good comeback after two matches. Our mindset wasn’t different during the break. Shadab (Khan) said that the fans who have come here have come to see us. And they shouldn’t return home saying that we gave up,” revealed Ashraf.
“So, our thinking was no matter what the result would be, we will keep fighting till the end,” he added. In fact, the dynamics of this squad is such that the players — young or old — don’t shy away from asking or taking advice. And that trust has helped them form a strong bond.
The 25-year-old Ashraf isn’t afraid to ask Shadab nor veteran 37-year-old Mohammad Sami.
Both Ashraf and Shadab came through the PSL.“You might have seen whatever bowling that I’ve done, I’ve spoken to (Mohammad) Sami bhai and Shadab and bowled. A team combination will only work when you speak to each other and trust each other. And at such a time, Sami bhai is sharing his experience with us and we are sharing what we are thinking,” explained Ashraf.
Ashraf also said that coach Dean Jones has also played a massive role. “During the strategic time outs, he doesn’t get too technical. It is more about giving us the motivation, inspiration and backs us to do well,” he said.
Ashraf is essentially an allrounder but his batting hasn’t fired yet in this edition. But he said that he has been working on it. “I keep working on it with which ever team I play with. I used to before as well. I’ve always played as an all-rounder and if my batting hasn’t worked, I’ve gone back home and worked on it and had batting practice at my club. I’m practicing here too,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zalmi pacer Wahab Riaz said they could’ve won had Pollard or Sammy remained at the end. “Obviously, had Pollard and Sammy stayed until the end, we could’ve won,” felt Riaz.