DUBAI: Dashing batsman Asif Ali said he had been confident he would hit sixes after leading Pakistan to a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the Twenty20 World Cup in Dubai on Friday.
The 30-year-old smashed pacer Karim Janat for four sixes in the 19th over to take Pakistan past a tricky 148-run target, giving them three wins in as many games in the Group 2 of the Super 12 Stages.
The 2009 champions now need one more win against either Namibia or Scotland to qualify for the semifinals.
“I have confidence in my hitting and that paid off,” said Asif after the match. “I hit sixes toward the longer side of the boundary.”
Pakistan, chasing 148 to win, were well placed at 122-3 in the 17th over when Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan turned the match on its head, bowling Babar Azam for 51.
In the next over, Naveen-ul-Haq conceded just two runs and dismissed veteran Shoaib Malik for 19.
Shadab Khan came in for the last ball of the over and guided a shot into space, but Asif refused a single, taking the fate of the match in his hands.
With Pakistan needing 24 off the last two overs, he went on the rampage against Janat, smashing the first, third, fifth and sixth deliveries high over the boundary.
“Yes, I knew that there was a single, but I had confidence that I will hit sixes and score the needed runs,” Asif said.
“They did not bowl toward the shorter boundaries but I hit him toward the longer side.”
Asif said he had been practicing batting under such pressure.
“My job is to hit sixes, so I practice in scenarios based on situations, needing to hit sixes in the last five overs type situations,” he said.
Maligned for his poor form despite being given consistent chances by team management, Asif said he ignored criticism.
“I don’t read what is said about me on social media and don’t watch television so I don’t know what is said about me in social media and that helps me focus on my work.”
Pakistan play Namibia in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday followed by their last match against Scotland in Sharjah on November 7.
The top two teams from each Group qualify for the semifinals.
Asif says confidence key in hitting sixes in victory against Afghanistan in Dubai
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Asif says confidence key in hitting sixes in victory against Afghanistan in Dubai
- 30-year-old smashed pacer Karim Janat for four sixes in 19th over to take Pakistan past tricky 148-run target
- This was Pakistan’s third consecutive win in Group 2 of Super 12 Stages, previously beat India and New Zealand
FIA president praises Saudi Arabia boost of Dakar Rally
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem will attend the climax of the 48th edition at the weekend
DUBAI: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has praised Saudi Arabia for helping the Dakar Rally emerge as one of the world’s top events, and boosting the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.
Ben Sulayem will attend the 48th edition of the legendary race as it reaches its climax at the weekend.
The opening round of the championship has attracted a record 72 entries. It will also mark the launch of the new FIA Master Drivers’ Championship, and the entry of Defender as a new manufacturer.
Ben Sulayem will be welcomed on Friday by Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.
The FIA president, who will speak at the closing ceremony on Saturday evening, said the event “continues to go from strength to strength.”
He added that the race now has a “record numbers of entries, new manufacturers, and ever-increasing competition in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, reflecting the continued global growth of motorsport.”
He thanked Prince Khalid and the federation “for hosting another outstanding event and delivering a truly world-class experience for competitors, fans, and all those involved.”
Joining Ben Sulayem on his visit will be Malcolm Wilson, the FIA’s deputy president for sport.
“The 2026 edition of the Dakar Rally continues to showcase both the growth of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and the strength of Cross-Country rallying as a whole,” said Wilson.
He added that it was “encouraging to see three manufacturers – Toyota, Dacia and Ford – all increasing their presence,” and welcomed Defender in the Stock category.
