Asif Ali Archives

Shoriful, Asif, Mahedi shine in Chattogram Royals victory

MIRPUR: Shoriful Islam’s five-wicket haul, backed by brisk knocks from Mahedi Hasan and Asif Ali powered Chattogram Royals to victory over Noakhali Express in the 25th fixture of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26.

Royals chased down 127 on the loss of five wickets with 18 balls to spare.

Ihsanullah and Hasan Mahmud made early inroads with the ball to provide Noakhali Express a strong start.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the first wicket to fall, gone without scoring in the first over, followed by Mohammad Hari’s dismissal, who was caught for seven.

Ihsanullah struck again to remove Mahfijul Islam for duck quickly, followed by Mohammad Naim, who made 18 off seven with the aid of two fours and a six.

As a result, Chattogram Royals were reduced to 29-4 in 4.2 overs.

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However, a brief partnership of 40 runs between Hasan Nawaz and skipper Mahedi Hasan put the chase back on track.

The duo took the score to 69 in 9.3 overs before Nawaz was stumped for 11, leaving Royal five down.

The match was widely open, with Noakhali Express bowlers tailing up. But it was Asif Ali’s arrival at the crease that brought their side respite.

The recently retired Pakistani pinch hitter stitched an unbeaten 59* run stand with Mahedi and helped their side cross the finishing line.

Asif hit two sixes and two fours in his 36* off 30 while Mahedi remained one shy of a well-deserved half-century. He hit four boundaries and two sixes in his knock that put their side on top of the points table.

For Noakhali Express, Ihsanullah picked up two wickets.

Earlier, given the oppurtunity to bat first, Noakhali Express batters demonstrated a shambolic display as Chattogram Royals skittled them for 126 in 18.5 overs.

Hassan Eisakhil and Soumya Sarkar started positively with a 34-run stand in 3.1 overs.

Eisakhil and Sarkar made 25 and 14, respectively, and Express were 49-2 at the end of the powerplay.

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Despite two wickets in quick time, Noakhali Express was going steadily as Jaker Ali and Haider Ali launched a recovery with a 29-run partnership.

The pair brought the total to 78 in 9.4 overs before Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam wreaked havoc with the ball.

The bowling pair sparked a collapse, with Noakhali Express slumping to 91-6 from 78-2 in 13.1 overs.

Eventually, the whole team was bundled out with Shoriful Islam picking up a five-wicket haul while giving away just nine in 3.5 overs.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan pay tribute to Asif Ali after retirement

Former Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and the current vice-captain of the T20I team, Shadab Khan, shared heartfelt tributes honoring the career of hard-hitting batter Asif Ali.

Asif announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday, concluding a seven-year career in which he represented Pakistan in 79 white-ball matches.

Sarfaraz and Shadab expressed their admiration for Asif’s talent and praised his services to Pakistan cricket through social media posts.

Shadab Khan referred to the 33-year-old as more than a teammate, calling him a brother and wishing him all the best for the future.

“Happy retirement to one of the best teammates and a brother. Best wishes for the next chapter in your career, Asif bhai,” Shadab wrote.

In the meantime, Sarfaraz Ahmed commended him for his dedication and enthusiasm for the game.

“Congratulations aachi on a wonderful international career. You’ve worn the colors with pride and passion. Wishing you continued success in all that lies ahead @asif9741. All the best buddy,” Sarfaraz wrote.

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Asif Ali announced his decision on Monday night via social media, expressing pride in representing Pakistan at the international level.

“Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket,” Asif wrote.

“Alhamdulillah, wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life and serving my country on the cricket field has been my proudest chapter.

“To my fans, teammates and coaches, thank you for your love, belief and support through every high and low.

“To my family and friends, who stood with me in moments of joy and in the deepest of trials, including the loss of my beloved daughter during the World Cup, your strength carried me forward.”

Asif Ali played for Pakistan in 58 T20Is and 21 ODIs from 2018 to 2023. His last appearance for Pakistan was against Bangladesh in October 2023, during the Asian Games.

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Asif Ali announces retirement from international cricket

Middle-order batter Asif Ali has announced his retirement from international cricket, effective immediately.

The 33-year-old took to social media, where he called time on his international cricketing career. However, Asif Ali reiterated that he will continue to feature in league cricket.

“Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket,” he wrote on his Instagram post.

“Alhamdulillah, wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life and serving my country on the cricket field has been my proudest chapter,” he added.

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He also thanked his fans and teammates for supporting him throughout his career, particularly passing away of his daughter.

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“To my fans, teammates, and coaches, thank you for your love, belief, and support through every high and low. To my family and friends, who stood with me in moments of joy and in the deepest of trials, including the loss of my beloved daughter during the World Cup, your strength carried me forward.

I retire with immense gratitude, and InshaAllah will continue to share my passion for the game by playing domestic and league cricket worldwide,” he concluded.

Asif Ali played for Pakistan in 58 T20Is and 21 ODIs from 2018 to 2023. His last appearance for Pakistan was against Bangladesh in October 2023, during the Asian Games.

Asif’s most memorable innings came against Afghanistan on October 30, 2021, during the T20 World Cup. With Pakistan requiring 24 off 12, the right-hand pummelled medium pacer Karim Janat for towering four sixes in the 19th over in a tricky 148-run chase.

He was also crucial to Pakistan’s triumph against New Zealand later in the tournament, scoring a handy 27 runs off just 12 balls.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan train ahead of Afghanistan clash in tri-series

PSL 10: Asif Ali expects pressure in high-stakes clash against Karachi Kings

LAHORE: Asif Ali, Lahore Qalandars’ middle-order batter, has admitted the pressure in the high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Eliminator.

The two-time PSL champions Lahore Qalandars will take on Karachi Kings here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Asif emphasized knock-out stage pressure and stated that all the players can thrive under difficult situations.

“It’s the knockout stage and a big match, so naturally, there will be pressure,” Asif said. “However, all the players are professionals, and I don’t think anyone will let the pressure affect their performance,” he said.

The power-hitter shed light on Qalandars’ combination, admitting the fact that their batting had not clicked in previous matches. He also praised Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza for their contribution, stating they will be missed.

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“With the combination that has been made, hopefully, there will be good cricket. In the previous matches, batting was not going well, and the team combination has been made, hopefully, we will go with the same combination,” he explained

“Sam Billings was performing; when a player like him leaves, it affects the combination,” he added.

In the previous match at home, Lahore Qalandars lost by four wickets in a last-over thriller against Karachi Kings.

Asif Ali backed the team to do well while sharing insights into his future plans.

“If you lose a match, you review the errors and work on improving them. Every player has goals, and my focus remains on the upcoming games. If Pakistan or the selectors need me, I am ready to serve,” he said.

The right-hander reflected on his return to international cricket, expressing his desire to focus on the game.

“I am playing cricket and haven’t given much thought to a comeback, nor is it my primary goal right now. If the selectors needed me, they would have called me up. I believe they don’t need me at this moment,” Asif concluded.

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‘Credit to scientist who sent him to open’: Former pacer takes a dig at Asif Ali

Former Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir has slammed the Lahore Qalandars’ decision to make Asif Ali an opener during their match against Peshawar Zalmi in the 14th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Asif, who opened the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman, failed to make an impact, returning with the score of 4 off 6 balls.

Chasing a modest 130, Peshawar Zalmi comfortably reached the target, losing three wickets in the process with 20 balls to spare.

Peshawar Zalmi faced early setbacks while chasing, losing Saim Ayub on the third ball of the first over. Soon after, Tom Kohler-Cadmore fell to an outstanding delivery from Haris Rauf in the next over, leaving Zalmi in a precarious position at seven for two.

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However, it was Babar Azam and Hussain Talat who took the game away from the Qalandars with a solid 93-run partnership on the fourth wicket.

While speaking during a post-match analysis show, Tanvir jibed at the decision of Asif Ali’s promotion as an opener who usually bats lower down the order.

“Let me give credit to the scientist who sent Asif Ali to open, ” Sohail Tanvir remarked.

Sohail Tanvir noted Asif Ali’s batting position and emphasized his power-hitting skills.

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“You sent Asif Ali to open, who has zero technique. He is not a technically sound batter, but only a power hitter. I personally witnessed his technique in the nets; he just swings his bat,” he observed.

The 40-year-old emphasized the technical aspects of Asif Ali’s batting, stating that Asif had no idea how to play a new ball against a quality fast bowler.

“Tackling the new ball against a quality fast bowler, especially on a pitch where the ball is likely to deviate, requires technical skills. Ali’s dismissal clearly showed that he had no clue that Luke Wood’s delivery would inswing,” Tanvir said.

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Hong Kong Sixes: Asif Ali’s blitz powers Pakistan to victory over India

HONG KONG: Asif Ali scored a blistering half-century to steer Pakistan to victory over India in the ongoing Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament here at Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground on Friday.

Pakistan successfully chased the 120-run target without losing a wicket and qualified for the quarter-finals after topping Group C.

Asif Ali played a whirlwind knock of 55 runs from 14 balls, which featured two fours and seven sixes. His opening partner Mohammad Akhlaq struck 40 off 12 with the help of three fours and four sixes.

Pakistan captain Faheem Ashraf joined Akhlaq after Asif retired and smashed 22 runs from five balls to steer his side to victory over India.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan defeated the United Arab Emirates ((UAE) by 13 runs after setting a target of 129.

Asif Ali and Mohammad Akhlaq both scored half-centuries to help Pakistan post an imposing total without losing a wicket. Akhlaq smashed 52 off 15 with six maximums, while Asif struck 50 off 14, laced with seven sixes.

While defending 128, Pakistan bundled UAE for 115 as Asif Ali and Aamir Yamin took two wickets each.

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For the unversed, A total of 12 teams are participating in the highly-anticipated tournament, making its return after a six-year hiatus. The tournament will run from November 1 to 3, 2024.

Hosts Hong Kong alongside New Zealand and former champions South Africa are placed in Group A while Group B features Australia, England and Nepal.

Fierce rivals Pakistan and India are drawn in Group C, accompanied by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), whereas, Group D is comprised of Bangladesh, Oman and Sri Lanka.

South Africa and England lead with the most Hong Kong Sixes titles, each winning five. Sri Lanka, Australia, India, and the West Indies have each won one title.

Pakistan since the inception of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes in 1993 have won the tournament four times, while it has remained runners-up of the event five times, which includes qualifying for the final of the last edition held in 2017.

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Asif Ali aims to earn Pakistan recall with strong Champions Cup display

Pakistan’s aggressive middle-order batter Asif Ali has shared that he is aiming to earn a recall to the national white-ball team with his performance in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup.

Asif Ali is representing Saud Shakeel-led Dolphins in the Champions One-Day Cup and strong a quick half-century in yesterday’s 92-run loss against Markhors.

During an interview with a local news channel, Asif expressed his goal to give strong performances throughout the tournament that could pave the way for his return to the national team.

He also shared that he used to bat at number four in domestic cricket, however, after his international debut, he had to settle at number six spot. The change in batting order posed a new challenge for the explosive batter.

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“The transition from No. 4 to No. 6 is not easy,” Asif said. “Training specifically for your position is crucial in international cricket. When you’re accustomed to playing higher up the order domestically, the shift to a lower spot at the international level can be demanding.”

He also opened up about Dolphins’ loss against Markhors, emphasizing that he would not have opted to field first, considering the pitch conditions.

“The pitch favoured bowlers in the later stages of the game, making batting difficult,” he said. “There was moisture early on, and that’s why Dolphins’ management chose to field first.”

“If they had asked me, I would have advised them not to fall for that and opt to bat first,” he added.

Asif Ali has represented Pakistan in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is since his debut in 2018. He has scored 382 runs in ODI cricket and 577 runs in T20Is.

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Six Pakistan players among direct signings for Zim Afro T10 2024

A total of six Pakistan players including Asif Ali and Haider Ali were among the direct signings for the second edition of the Zim Afro T10 league.

All six participating teams picked the icon and global superstars through direct signings ahead of the players’ draft, scheduled on September 8.

The participating teams will form a 15-member squad with an additional 16th player as their global icon.

Furthermore, the squads can feature as many as six local Zimbabwe players, who can be the icon or global star.

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The second edition of the Zim Afro T10 league will run from September 21 to 29 in Harare.

Furthermore, the franchises also unveiled their head coaches with Moin Khan, Owais Shah and Chaminda Vaas most notable entries.

Moin, who has coached the Pakistan cricket team and Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators, will join Durban Wolves while NYS Lagos roped in Vaas. Bulawayo Braves Jaguars acquired the services of Shah.

Direct signings in Zim Afro T10

Harare Bolts: Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka: Global Superstar), James Neesham (New Zealand: Icon), George Munsey (Scotland), Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh), Shehan Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Kennar Lewis (West Indies).

Bulawayo Braves Jaguars: David Warner (Australia: Icon), Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies), Nick Hobson (Australia), Kobe Herft (Australia).

Durban Wolves: Colin Munro (New Zealand: Global Superstar), Mark Chapman (New Zealand: Icon), Will Smeed (England), Sharjeel Khan (Pakistan), Muhammad Irfan (Pakistan), Yasir Shah (Pakistan)

Cape Town Samp Army: Haider Ali (Pakistan: Global Superstar), David Willey (England: Icon), Dawid Malan (England), Gulbadin Naib (Afghanistan), Qais Ahmed (Afghanistan), Adam Rossington (England), Shahnawaz Dahani (Pakistan).

NYS Lagos: Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe: Global Superstar), Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka: Icon), Asif Ali (Pakistan), Najibullah Zadran (Afghanistan), Binura Fernando (Sri Lanka), Akhilesh Bogudum (USA), Oshane Thomas (West Indies).

Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers: Chris Lynn (Australia: Global Superstar), Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka: Icon), Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka), Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan), Adam Milne (New Zealand), Luke Wood (England), Karim Janat (Afghanistan).

READ: Mohsin Naqvi says selectors, coaches to select Pakistan captain

Asif Ali’s blitz in vain as Brampton Wolves sink Vancouver Knights

BRAMPTON: Asif Ali’s quick-fire knock went in vain as Beau Webster and Nick Hobson helped Brampton Wolves sink Vancouver Knights in the ongoing GT20 Canada 2024.

While chasing a modest 150-run target, Brampton Wolves achieved the total in 18.1 overs, handing Vancouver Knights their fourth consecutive GT20 Canada loss.

Knights’ captain Usman Khawaja (17) opted to bat first and gave his side a cautious start, scoring 36 runs in 5.1 overs before Thomas Draca removed him.

The other opening batter Munir Ahmad (21) also departed soon with 47 runs on the board, while Reeza Hendricks played a scratchy knock of 27 runs from 30 balls.

Asif Ali came out to bat after Hendricks’ wicket and targetted Andrew Tye as he struck him for three sixes and two fours during his unbeaten 17-ball knock of 36 runs.

He was supported by Richie Berrington, who scored an unbeaten 38 off 25 with the help of three boundaries and two sixes.

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Thomas Draca led the bowling for Brampton Wolves, taking two key wickets, while Webster and Tye managed one each.

In response, the Wolves lost their first three wickets with only 30 runs on the board. David Warner was the main contributor from the top order with a 20-ball 25 with four boundaries.

Webster came out to bat at the fall of the second wicket and carried his bat through the innings as he played a calculated knock of 49 runs from 37 balls with two boundaries and three sixes.

George Munsey played a quick 20-run cameo from 12 balls, while Hobson scored an unbeaten 37 off 28, which included three sixes.

Webster and Hobson constructed an unbeaten partnership of 86 runs from 52 balls, leading the team to a dominant six-wicket victory.

For Vancouver Knights, Dwaine Pretorius, Rishiv Joshi and Sandeep Lamichhane picked one wicket each.

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Eight Pakistan players to feature in Zim Afro T10 League

Eight Pakistan players including Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez and Asif Ali will feature in the upcoming Zim Afro T10 League 2023.

The players’ draft for the upcoming inaugural edition of the Zim Afro T10 League took place on Monday, July 3.

Following the players’ draft, the participating teams picked 16 players each in their squad which include at least six Zimbabwean cricketers.

The tournament will run from July 20 to July 29 and will feature five teams – the Harare Hurricanes, Joburg Buffaloes, Durban Qalandars, Bulawayo Braves, and Cape Town Samp Army – competing for the silverware.

Notably, the Zim Afro T10 League will mark the first instance when a franchise league will become a part of Zimbabwe cricket.

It is worth mentioning here that five cricketers will be chosen from Zimbabwe’s Emerging Player Programme, which is intended to provide the young players with an opportunity to burst onto the big stage, and they will be added to each team’s roster in the upcoming days.

“This is a historic day for Zimbabwean cricket and we can’t wait to open up the doors for such talented cricketers. Each of the five squads look extremely strong and I am sure the cricket on display will be of the highest order,” Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, said.

“And I am delighted that the Zim Afro T10 will also give the young cricketers a boost as they will be rubbing shoulders with some of the best players in the world.”

Pakistan players in Zim Afro T10 League 2023

Durban Qalandars: Asif Ali, Mohammad Amir, Mirza Tahir Baig and Tayyab Abbas

Harare Hurricanes: Shahnawaz Dahani

Johannesburg Buffaloes: Usman Shinwari and Mohammad Hafeez

Cape Town Samp Army: Mohammad Irfan

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