Tanvir Ahmed: ‘I spent a sleepless night’

Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir aims to complete five-wicket haul on debut.

ABU DHABI: After spending a sleepless night, Pakistan fast-bowler Tanvir Ahmed made his Test debut and immediately impressed. Ahmed took four for 67 on the opening day of the second and final Test against South Africa including three off his first six overs.

“There were some mixed feelings when I was told that I will be playing the second Test,” Ahmed said in a press conference. “In fact I could not sleep bearing in mind that I will be bowling to world class batsmen like South Africa’s Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis the next morning.”

But it was like a dream come true for the 31-year-old playing his first international match. Trusted with the new ball by captain Misbahul Haq, he dismissed Alviro Petersen with his third delivery before claiming the prized scalp of Hashim Amla in his next over. Smith was his next victim before Ahmed rounded off the day with the wicket of centurion Kallis.

“I have waited for three to four months for my debut but now I’ve realised that the time I spent with the team was very vital. I’ve learnt a lot from it,” added Ahmed. “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to play Test cricket for Pakistan and now my aim is to complete the five-wicket haul on my debut.”

Ahmed, who earned a place after an injury to Wahab Riaz, was the leading wicket-taker in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy last season with 85 and his outstanding effort helped his team Karachi Blues lift the title for the eighth time.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2010.