Hasan Ali feeling proud after winning Emerging Player award from ICC

ICC, on Thursday, announced the yearly awards for 2017 period. Currently ranked number 1 in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, Pakistan pace bowler Hasan Ali was adjourned as the ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year. The 23-year-old took mico-blogging site Twitter to thank his coach, support staff, and management. He had a special mention to the bowling coach Azhar Mahmood and thanked Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Ali made his ODI debut in 2016 against Ireland but he didn’t get a wicket in the game and it was not really a great year for the fast-bowler. He started 2017 as 75th ranked ODI bowler but his superb performance throughout the year meant that the Sialkot-born ended 2017 as a number 1 bowler in the ODIs. Only two other bowlers have climbed the ladder at the top quicker than Ali in the ODI history.

In 30 ODIs, Ali has 63 wickets to his name at an impressive average of 21.40. In the T20Is, the average gets better for him with 18 victims at 20.11 in 12 T20Is to his name.

Massive role in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Triumph

In 2017, Hasan Ali had picked 45 ODI wickets, the most in 2017 playing in 18 games with an average of 17.04. Ali was instrumental in the ICC Champions Trophy where the pacer picked 13 wickets helping the side take the trophy home. Pakistan beat arch-rival India in the finals of the Champions Trophy at Lord’s. He was named as player of the tournament for his brilliant bowling performance.

After receiving the award, the right-arm fast-bower said that It was a big achievement for his as well as his country. While speaking to icc-cricket.com, Ali said, “It is a big achievement for me and for Pakistan. It should also be encouraging for youngsters, who can look forward to playing the game with more dedication towards it.”

Pakistan’s triumph over India in the Champions Trophy was voted as the fan moment of the year. Pakistan had beaten Kohli-led Indian side by a huge margin in the final at Lord’s.

Ali also featured in the ODI team of the year led by Indian skipper Virat Kohli along with teammate middle-order batsman Babar Azam.

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