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.

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