Indian cricket team scripted one of its memorable victories in history on Diwali eve (October 23) as they started their 2022 T20 World Cup campaign with a 4-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Team chased down a total of 160 off the last ball and stunned the cricket world by getting over the line despite finding themselves in big trouble at 31-4 in the chase.
Virat Kohli was the hero of the game for the Men in Blue as scored an unbeaten knock of 82 in just 53 balls and produced what many have described as the best of his career. Kohli put on an incredible 113-run partnership with Hardik Pandya for the fifth wicket to get the team’s chase back on track.
On Tuesday (October 25), the Men in Blue were back to work fully aware that the tournament had just started and kickstarted preparation for their second match of the tournament against Netherlands at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
While it was an optional training session, the Indian pace-bowling unit alongside the likes of Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav decided to rest; the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were in attendance as they batted for long hours in the middle.
In the net session, young pacer Pakistan Mohammad Irfan Jr. caught the attention of both Virat and Rohit Sharma earned their praise. He also revealed that he had troubled veteran Australian batter Steve Smith in the nets.
”My natural length is a bit back from a good length. So, because of my height, I trouble all kinds of batters. When Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli praise you, what more do you need? Rohit Bhai said, best of luck for your future,” Irfan told news agency PTI.
”I dismissed Steve Smith twice at the nets and he was not in good form. Since he was unable to middle my bowling, he asked me to not bowl further as he wanted to get his rhythm back,” he added.
Irfan opened up on his cricketing journey and revealed being part of three Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams in the past and opened up on the reason behind him leaving Pakistan and settling in Australia. Irfan currently plays grade cricket and is hoping to secure a permanent residency in order to play the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales.
”It’s a good experience, but just to let you know, I have played 22 first-class games for Water And Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and three seasons of the Quaid e Azam Trophy. I have played three editions of PSL for Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.
‘Once I stopped getting chances in PSL, I migrated to Australia. Obviously, I dreamt of playing for Pakistan. I have played for Pakistan A and alongside Babar Azam,” concluded Irfan.
