Hasan Ali sets high standards for himself ahead of CT 2017

Pakistan has churned out brilliant pacers over the past two decades. Known as the kings of swing with the likes of Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Waqar Younis making their country proud, Pakistan who were once a giant have been reduced to almost minnows with their rank languishing at the bottom of the table. But pacer Hasan Ali has taken it upon himself to change the flagging fortunes of his country battered at present.

He wants to grab the title of the best bowler of the Champions Trophy. The right-arm medium fast bowler who hails from Mandi Bahauddin has a blend of variations to his name. Hasan made his ODI debut at the age of 22 in the series against England and Ireland in August 2016. He took his first ODI five-wicket haul against Australia in January 2017. He played his first Test against West Indies on May 10, 2017.

Champions trophy goal

Raring to go against India in the first clash of the tournament on June 4, Hasan took his confidence in his stride saying that he doesn’t feel any pressure from the high-voltage clash between the two arch-rivals. “I feel no pressure at all,” he said in an interaction with Geo.tv.

He is pumped up having gained a lot of experience playing 16 ODI’s against big teams like Australia and England. When asked how he fancies his chances against the likes of Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, the youngster took a positive stand. He confessed that Virat and Shikhar are tough opponents but he doesn’t have his eyes on a particular batsman as every player is on his radar.

“I don’t have any particular target, every member of the team is the same for me, India is a good batting side and I will try my best against the arch rivals,” Hasan said.

His excitement at present knows no boundaries and he stated that if he is picked up for the match against India he will give his best. The pacer knows the importance of India-Pakistan clashes and will bowl a brilliant spell.

“I am excited for the match and looking forward to it. India versus Pakistan games are always considered big encounters. If I am given a chance in the match I will give my 100%,” he said.

Comparison with legends unfair

Hasan has been involved in many crucial encounters. The warm-up match against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy where he stitched a brilliant partnership with Faheem Ashraf is a case in standpoint. Many have started comparing the duo with the likes of Azhar Mahmood and Abdul Razzaq. The 23-year-old is of the opinion that he can shoulder responsibilities like the famed duo but a comparison is unfair at the moment.

“I can try to play like them or play the role they used to have in the team. But to say that I can be what Razzaq or Azhar Mahmood were for Pakistan is not something I agree with at the moment, they were legends,” Hasan concluded.