Confidence high after incredible start to PSL, says Nawaz

Quetta Gladiators all-rounder produced tournament’s most economical spell ever against Lahore Qalandars

KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators star Muhammad Nawaz has had a superb start to the Pakistan Super League and his scarcely believable figures of 2-4 in four overs helped his side claim an emphatic win over Lahore Qalandars on Saturday.

Nawaz was instrumental as Quetta turned the game around in the first innings after Lahore had enjoyed a superb start to the game, claiming the wickets of the dangerous Brendon McCullum and Cameron Delport to almost completely halt the Qalandars.

“When I came into bowl, the great McCullum was on the crease and usually batsmen are looking to go after spinners as much as they can,” said Nawaz, while talking to The Express Tribune. “But claiming the wickets of McCullum and Delport has given me a lot of confidence for the next few matches.”

Nawaz revealed his thought process during that incredible spell. “I just went in there and bowled at a tight line and length and ensured that I didn’t give any room to the batsmen since I knew they would be looking to target me,” he said. “The bowl started to turn a bit after the two wickets and I was able to restrict the runs as well. However, the pitch was such that it gave equal opportunity to batsmen and bowlers.”

The all-rounder has been Quetta’s standout performer so far, impressing with the bat in the opener against Karachi Kings before delivering with the ball in the second, and he knows the team’s expectations from him have increased due to this. However, he refused to shirk away from his responsibility and has promised to give it his all.