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My performance as all-rounder better than most players in domestic cricket: Ali

The 33-year-old last played for Pakistan in 2016 during a T20I against Bangladesh

My performance as all-rounder better than most players in domestic cricket: Ali PHOTO COURTESY: PCB

Pakistan’s pacer Anwar Ali has claimed that his performance as an all-rounder is better than most players in domestic white-ball cricket, over the past two seasons.

While speaking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Ali, who last played for Pakistan in 2016 during a T20I against Bangladesh, said that his has fully recovered from injuries.

“I struggled due to injuries over the past few years but now I’m fully fit and regularly playing domestic cricket and leagues all over the world,” said Ali. “If you look at my record in domestic white-ball cricket over the past couple years, I don’t think you will find many players who have performed better than me as an all-rounder.”

Ali, who was picked by Muzaffarabad Tigers, is also excited to feature in the upcoming Kashmir Premier League (KPL).

“I’m really excited for the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) and playing for Muzaffarabad Tigers. Hopefully we will put up a good show during the tournament,” he said.

He also heaped praise on Tigers’ captain and veteran Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez.

“Hafeez bhai is an experienced player and also part of Pakistan’s current T20 team. He has great knowledge about the game and has led Pakistan team in the past, including the World Cup, which would be beneficial for the players and hopefully we will learn many things while playing under his leadership,” he said.

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He also spoke about his memorable bowling spell in the 2006 U-19 World Cup final against India, when he claimed figures of 5/35 in a low-scoring match.

“I had a great start to my career with the U-19 World Cup [2006]. Playing the final against India, winning the match and becoming player of the match was very special. India had some bright youngsters in that match, like [Cheteshwar] Pujara, Rohit Sharma and [Piyush] Chawla, who went on to become superstars,” he said.

He also lauded the consistency of pacers Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali.

“If you look at our bowlers, there are two players who are consistently doing well in the shape of Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali. They are playing all formats and contributing in Pakistan’s victories. Hopefully, they will continue doing that in the future,” he concluded.