Shehzad blitz ends Stags’ fairy-tale

Lions to face Wolves in the final after opener’s whirlwind ton.

KARACHI:

Debutants Bahawalpur Stags had impressed everyone en route their journey to the semi-finals, winning five out of the six group matches.

However, out-of-favour opener Ahmed Shehzad handed them a bitter taste of reality, hammering Bahawalpur bowlers for 20 fours and one six in a brutal 57-ball assault that fetched him 107 runs. Lahore Lions amassed 211 for five off their quota after being put into bat and from that point onwards, Stags were just playing for pride as they eventually went down by 51 runs at Gaddafi Stadium.

National Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez chipped in with a 36-ball 65 that included three sixes in a row as only Kamran Hussain returned with respectable figures – four wickets for 23 runs off his quota. In reply, Stags were all out for 160 in the final over after Abdul Razzaq’s double wicket over at the start of the innings. Wahab Riaz and off-spinner Adnan Rasool took three wickets each as Imranullah Aslam top-scored with 43 after throwing his bat at everything.



I’m learning from seniors around me: Shehzad

Shehzad, leading run-scorer of the ongoing tournament, is relishing the presence of seniors around him as he presses for a return to the national squad. Often touted as a great talent in the shorter formats, Shehzad’s attitude has often resulted in his omission. The 21-year-old has been in consistent form for Lahore Lions and, apart from yesterday’s century, has hit three half-centuries in seven matches at a healthy average of 51.7.

“It’s been a good tournament for me as I continue to learn from the seniors around me,” Shehzad told The Express Tribune. “Scoring a century in the tournament has given me the satisfaction that I’ve been able to perform consistently. However, there is still one match to go and I’d be really happy if I can score another or even play a valuable knock to take my team to the title.”



Dropped from the national squad despite a brilliant show in New Zealand last year, Shehzad confirmed that he had worked on his mistakes, ensuring he cements his place in the playing-XI.

“The best thing I’ve done recently is to learn from my past mistakes and move on. You can’t get stuck with what has already happened. It affects you greatly. Planning the future is key to success in modern day cricket and that is exactly what I’m doing.”

The national selection committee is poised to announce the Twenty20 and One-Day International squds for the tour of India and Shehzad, with the confidence of runs under his belt, is expecting a call-up.

“It has always been special to represent Pakistan and, if given the opportunity against India, I’ll try my best to replicate my performance at home.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2012.