Birmingham: Pakistani batsman Haider Ali has responded to the criticism of Golden Duck’s dismissal in the first match of the ongoing Vitality T20 Blast in the UK, saying that he is satisfied with his performance.
The 22-year-old cricketer, who is playing county cricket for the first time and representing Derbyshire Falcons in the tournament, hoped to do better in the ongoing season.
Both Hyder and the Falcons had a poor first outing in the Vitality Blast, as the flamboyant opener was dismissed on the very first ball of the tournament and his team lost the match against Lancashire Lightning by four wickets.
“It’s my first county season with Derbyshire, the coaching staff and fellow players are fully supporting me. It’s not possible to score a century or a fifty every time you go out to bat. It’s part of the game but All I can do is try my best to perform. I am looking forward to the rest of the season,” Haider told JEE News after the opening game.
This was Hyder’s second T20 match on English soil. He made his T20I debut for Pakistan in 2020 at Old Trafford, Manchester and scored 50 runs in his first international match for the national team.
“I am very excited to play in the T20 Blast as these games are very competitive and some very experienced and exciting players are taking part. Also, these matches are broadcast live on TV so I really want to perform in the tournament,” said the batsman.
Haider has played for Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League.
“The good thing is that there is time to learn from our mistakes as we are set to play fourteen group matches before the knockout stage, so I am hoping for a better performance in the coming games. The fans have high expectations from us. But we have to play according to the needs of the team. We try our best to give what is good for the team,” Haider said.
The batsmen, so far, have played some decent knocks in the County Championship including two fifty-plus scores. He said that he is satisfied with his performance in the first-class games and the club management has provided him with all the necessary facilities to perform at his best.
“Batting consultant Ian Bell and coach Mickey Arthur have been working hard with me and all the players. We have been given extensive practice sessions by him and he is always supporting us. If we don’t do well in a match, he will urge us to keep our chin up and do better in the next game,” said the batsman.
Haider said he has touched bases with other Pakistani cricketers currently playing in the county circuit as they are all good friends.
“So far, I have had the chance to meet Yorkshire captain Shaun Masood and Hasan Ali along with Birmingham Bears. They have all been encouraging and have shown me their full support,” the batsman said.
