I admire Sachin Tendulkar, says Pakistan's Abid Ali

Abid Ali, on Friday, made a memorable debut in One-Day Internationals. A late starter in international cricket, the 31-year old scored a brilliant century in the fourth ODI against Australia. Ali’s knock oozed class as he scored 112 and in the process became just the third Pakistani batsman to score a century on debut. What makes this century even more memorable was that it came in pressure situation although he could not take Pakistan over the line.

The debutant found himself under pressure right from the start when his fellow opener Shan Masood departed for a duck in pursuit of 277. Ali then showed his class and composure by steadying the ship with a 74-run stand with Haris Sohail. He then found a perfect partner in Mohammad Rizwan as the duo took Pakistan within touching distance of a win by sharing 144 runs for the third wicket. Ali, who was only drafted into the side two hours before the start after Imam-ul-Haq went down with fever, completed his ton off 111 balls.

Adam Zampa broke the stand when he had Ali caught for 112. Ali’s knock came off 119 balls and contained nine fours. His dismissal, however, turned the game on its head as Australia took wickets in heaps to stun the hosts. After Ali departed, Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were eventually restricted for 271 for 8, thus losing the game by 6 runs. With 49 required off the final seven with seven wickets in hand, Pakistan faltered spectacularly. The win, meanwhile, has given Australia a 4-0 lead.

Admire Sachin Tendulkar:

Ali has revealed he admires Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar and learns from the former India cricketer’s shot selection. He also said that he takes inspiration from the likes of Ricky Ponting and Inzamam-ul-Haq too.

“I admire Sachin Tendulkar and I do study his shot selection & balance at the crease. Then there is Ricky Ponting who I also admire & when it comes to Pakistan batsman, there is no better example for me than Inzamam-ul-Haq,” Ali said.

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