Everything feels different after yesterday's performance: Umaid Asif

Published February 25, 2018
Peshawar Zalmi's Ibtisam Sheikh (R) and Umaid Asif (L) have announced their arrival on the cricketing scene. —Photo courtesy PSL
Peshawar Zalmi's Ibtisam Sheikh (R) and Umaid Asif (L) have announced their arrival on the cricketing scene. —Photo courtesy PSL

Sialkot born medium-fast bowler and newest Pakistan Super League (PSL) sensation Umaid Asif on Sunday told DawnNewsTV that "everything feels different" after his match-winning performance on Saturday against Islamabad United.

"I have been receiving calls and messages from friends and family since the match ended," Asif, who took four wickets on his PSL debut for Peshawar Zalmi, told DawnNews.

Asif, who removed United's top-order cheaply, said he was feeling "out of this world" and expressed hope that he will be able to perform better in subsequent matches.

Meanwhile 19-year-old Ibtisam Sheikh, who helped seal the win by taking three wickets lower down the innings, thanked his family and coaches, especially his hometown Hyderabad's regional coach, Iqbal Imam, for supporting him.

"The confidence was low following our loss in the first match but we made a great comeback," the leg-spinner, who is now being compared to Shadab Khan said while talking to DawnNews. Shadab was dismissed caught and bowled by Ibtisam yesterday.

Talking about his own performance, he said that Shadab's wicket made the rest of the match "easier" for him and helped him perform better.

Ibtisam is one of the few cricketers who have risen to national prominence from Hyderabad. He recently represented Faisalabad in the Regional One-Day Cup as well as the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy for a few matches.

Asif, on the other hand, is a regular fixture for the Lahore Whites on the first class circuit.

Both are likely to play Zalmi's third match of the PSL later today against Karachi Kings in Dubai.

Opinion

Editorial

Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.
Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...