I'm famous in Pakistan as a finisher: Iftikhar Ahmed

Islamabad United’s batsman Iftikhar Ahmed, in a post-match interview after his heroic knock against Karachi Kings on Wednesday, stated that he was famous for finishing games in Pakistan while claiming that a middle-order batsman needs to carry the team over the finish line.

The 30-year-old stressed the importance of self-confidence at crucial stages of the match.

“First of all I am very thankful to Allah that I could perform at such a crucial time and won my team the match. You need to have confidence in yourself at these times. Because when you have confidence in yourself at these times then you can carry your team forward to the finishing line. I had confidence in myself and that is why I got the job done,” Iftikhar said.

“I am famous in Pakistan as a finisher. I am known for finishing games. I always try to take the game on. A middle-order batsman needs to take the game all the way to the end and finish it in the end,” he added.

The all-rounder expressed hope for a successful tournament for the Islamabad United franchise while claiming that it was harder to bat in the second innings during their most recent encounter against Karachi Kings.

“I was with the Karachi Kings side and they were champions last year. I was with Islamabad United as well and they have also been champions. I am hopeful that Islamabad will be the champions once more,” he said.

“I think it is harder to bat in the second innings. The ball was gripping and breaking. I think the credit goes to the batsmen who scored runs at the top and made it easier for us to finish the game. I will keep trying to perform as best as I can and I will keep trying to be the man of the match in every game. I just want to contribute in every win,” he concluded.