Dubai: Mohammad Sami, who was once Pakistan’s main strike bowler, showed he can still be a handful on his day. He ran through Karachi Kings’ batting line-up with a hostile spell of five wickets for eight runs from his four overs to set up a nine-wicket victory for Islamabad United.
Though not selected for the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20 Cup, Sami has decided to let his bowling do the talking for the selectors. “It was a must-win match for us. I think this was one of my best bowling performances. Sometimes it is disappointing (not getting selected), but I try to give off my best as a lot of things (like selection) are not in my hands.”
Sami is 15 wickets short of 100 wickets in Tests and has bagged 121 wickets in One Day Internationals and 14 wickets in Twenty20 International matches. “I always try to give 100 per cent into whatever I do and this PSL, which is happening for the first time, I am giving my best.”
Sami says he has one goal in this PSL. “My main aim is to ensure that I give as few runs as possible.”
Harping on the need to pick up early wickets, Sami said: “Early wickets puts any team under pressure. Similarly, when you get early wickets you get momentum. I got it in favour of my team,” said Sami, who is indebted to Islamabad’s team management for being able to produce such a good spell.
“I have to do the hard work of bowling, but a lot of effort has been put in by Wasim Akram (team mentor), Tauseef Ahmad (assistant coach) and Dean Jones (Head coach). All the support staff have worked behind me and given me a plan and I try to implement that plan. My aim is to try and live up to their plans.”
Sami has been bowling an excellent line and length and when asked about it, said: “I have been bowling well in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and also in the one-day matches in domestic cricket. I find continuity in my bowling form.”
Sami added: “In every match there will be pressure. No matches are easy and all matches in the PSL will be tough contests. If you have to win you have to bowl at your best.”
