Pakistan’s premier batsman says a superb pitch encourages him to focus on 300 after early collapse in opposition to Sri Lanka
Pakistan’s skilled batsman Salman Ali Agha stated correcting his leg alignment throughout home cricket helped him rediscover his type, which culminated in a match-winning century in opposition to Sri Lanka within the opening sport of the ODI tri-series.
Agha scored 107, his fourth ODI century, to assist Pakistan put up 305 all out earlier than the bowlers dismissed Sri Lanka for 268 within the forty ninth over, securing a 37-run victory on the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling assault with three wickets, whereas Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf claimed two wickets apiece to present Pakistan a successful begin to the event, which additionally options England.
Agha stated he had recognized a technical flaw in his batting throughout a tough interval in worldwide cricket and used home matches to deal with it.
“Once you battle in worldwide cricket, you face points along with your approach. I additionally had a problem as a result of my leg used to go throughout. I went again to home cricket, labored on it and corrected my leg alignment, which benefited me,” he stated.
The correct-hander had endured a tough England collection earlier than returning to home cricket, the place he struck a triple century in his first President’s Trophy match. He continued to construct on that efficiency earlier than carrying his improved type into worldwide cricket.
“I am feeling good, particularly when your crew wins and also you contribute to the victory,” Agha stated.
“We’ve got come right here after enjoying home cricket, and I used to be performing properly there. I am very joyful to have carried that type into worldwide cricket,” he added.
Pakistan had been struggling at 118-4 when Agha got here to the crease, however the batsman stated he rapidly assessed the circumstances and determined {that a} whole of 300 was inside attain.
“At one level, we had been 118-4. After dealing with just a few balls, I realised the pitch was good. I felt we wanted to attain 300; in any other case, we’d battle,” he stated.
“I attempted to take it ball by ball and get the crew to 300.”
Agha’s innings offered the muse for Pakistan’s whole, which in the end proved past Sri Lanka’s attain because the hosts’ bowlers maintained stress all through the chase.
The century additionally carried a private significance for Agha, who revealed that his celebration after reaching three figures was devoted to his four-year-old son.
“That sign was for my son, who watches tv whereas placing his finger on his cheek. He’s solely 4 years outdated, however I had advised my household that the subsequent time I might rating 100, I might rejoice like that,” he stated.
Agha’s return to type presents Pakistan an encouraging enhance as they proceed their marketing campaign within the tri-series in opposition to Sri Lanka and England.