LONDON: Ever since his emergence at the international level, Hasan Ali has been impressive. His unique celebration after taking a wicket has caught everyone’s eyes. It simply has a spark and a JAZBA.
He produces a medley with arms spread a Shahid Afridi-style; then a downward fist pump, a style which Australian spearhead Brett Lee or South African express pacer Dale Steyn used to do. It is followed by a high-kick-and-hand-clap which is accompanied by a primal roar of delight.
The 23-year-old says he would love to do this style five times in the final on Sunday, for it will be against arch rivals India.
“My style of celebration is a bit different but its my own,” Hasan told ARY News. ” It’s like an explosion. I enjoy it very much and I hope fans will pray that I do this style four five times in the final.”
🎥🌟 Hassan Ali took 3/35 including Bairstow, Morgan and Stokes to set the platform for a crushing victory by @TheRealPCB #ENGvPAK #CT17 pic.twitter.com/srXhW7jPgh
— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2017
Hasan gradually gave signs of his best in the Champions Trophy after taking just one wicket in the crunch opener against India, going for 70 runs in his ten overs.
He then ripped through the South African middle order, dismissing Faf du Plessis and then JP Duminy and Wayne Parnell off successive deliveries to finish with 3-24 in his eight overs.
Hasan then took 3-43 in the win over Sri Lanka and produced another man of the match performance in the semi-final against England with 3-35 in his ten overs, dismissing Eoin Morgan, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes.
He now tops the bowling charts with ten wickets and is gearing up to win the Golden Ball award in the tournament.
Hasan said he had set a goal for this Trophy.
“Thanks Almighty my form is good. I have the much needed rhythm so I will do my best to continue that. Its like a dream. I had set a goal for me during the West Indies series and it was to become the best bowler in the Champions Trophy. I want to achieve that goal.
“Now when I knew that the best bowler will get a golden ball I am determined to get that souvenir as it will be my first in my career. I am very positive about the final. What mistakes we committed in the first game will not be repeated and will try to execute the plans given by the coaches.”
Since his ODI debut in Dublin against Ireland in August last year, Hasan has taken 39 wickets — the most by any bowler in this period.
Hasan gives credit to bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, former Pakistan all-rounder.
“I will give credit of my improvement to Azhar Mahmood who has been working very hard on us bowlers. ”
Hasan said he will be under no pressure for the final.
“No, we will take it as a normal game and will be under no pressure. My job is to get wickets and that I am doing and will continue to do on Sunday.”
