‘Confidence is high’: Malik reacts after stunning knock in National T20 Cup

Shoaib Malik produced a stunning assault in the death overs of the Central Punjab innings to spearhead his side’s 12-run win via the DLS method against Sindh in the 16^th match of the National T20 tournament played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Saturday night.

Set a 169-run target following Shoaib’s brilliant batting effort, Sindh stuttered to 110 for six in 14.4 overs when rain arrived for the second consecutive night. Sindh were 12 runs short of the par score at that stage of their innings, a ball before the rain interruption in a repeat of last night’s match, a wicket was lost.

Speaking after the match, Malik vowed to perform consistently for his side.

“To be honest, tomorrow will be a new day. Of course, I got man of the match, I’m pretty happy but the day is over and there is new responsibility from tomorrow. Confidence is high and I will try to perform consistently perform so that the team benefits,” said Malik.

A sensational unbeaten 85 by Shoaib helped Central Punjab recover from 105 for six to a 168 for eight total. Central Punjab had lost wickets at regular intervals to stutter to a poor position before Shoaib rescued the side with an audacious batting display.

ALSO READ: Umar Gul backs Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, advises on India clash

The seasoned Shoaib posted the 67^th half-century of his T20 career and went into the top gear in the last two overs of the innings as Mohammad Hasnain conceded 22 and Rumman Raees gave away 14 runs off the 20^th over.

The right-hander hit eight fours and five sixes in his 47-ball innings. Shoaib added 42 for the third-wicket with Ahmed Shehzad who contributed a run-a-ball 35 (three fours, one six). The two had come together after the early loss of captain Babar Azam (12) and Muhammad Akhlaq (7).