Pakistan all-rounder, Imad Wasim, was the star of the show for Seattle Orcas as they defeated Washington Freedom by five wickets at the Grand Prairie Stadium on Friday night in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2023.
Imad made a significant impact with both bat and ball, securing one wicket for 19 runs during his four overs of bowling. In the batting department, he played a crucial unbeaten innings, scoring a well-constructed 43 runs off 38 deliveries. His outstanding all-round performance rightfully earned him the prestigious 'Player of the Match' award.
The Orcas successfully chased down a target of 145 runs with two balls to spare, displaying composed batting throughout the innings. Nauman Anwar played a vital role, contributing 48 runs off 37 balls, while Imad's unbeaten 43-run inning, including three fours and a six, was instrumental in the team's victory.
Imad formed a crucial partnership of 53 runs with Anwar and later shared a significant 44-run stand with Shimron Hetmyer, playing a pivotal role in guiding the Orcas to their win.
After the match, Imad reflected on the game during the post-match presentation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and persevering through challenging phases, particularly in the powerplay when wickets were falling frequently.
"I thought the wicket was favorable, and we bowled exceptionally well," Imad said.
"In the second half, we had to grind it out and take it one over at a time. Staying calm was crucial, especially in the powerplay when every team struggles to keep wickets intact. Considering the demanding conditions, I aimed to persist in the middle and contribute to the team's success," he added.