Pakistan seamer Hasan Ali has garnered international acclaim after becoming the top bowler of the Champions Trophy heading into the final.
Now, the 23-year-old bowler has vowed to keep up his stunning spell against arch-rivals India in Sunday’s finale at The Oval.
“Thanks to Allah, my form and rhythm has been very well and I will continue to maintain this performance,” he said, summing up his performance in the tournament.
Paceman Hasan returned excellent figures of three for 35 in 10 overs in the semi-final against England to become the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 10.
It was the eighth time that Hasan has collected three wickets or more in his 20 ODIs.
“I had set a goal after the West Indies series to become the top bowler while in England. I am close to my goal and will try to maintain my title of top wicket taker till the end of final,” the young bowler told a reporter.
Hasan said he is not feeling pressure ahead of the high-octane final match and will seek to gain the ‘golden ball’, awarded to the top wicket-taker of the tournament, with a relaxed mind.
Speaking about the key factors behind his success, Hasan said he has his personal hardwork and Azhar Mehmood’s coaching to thank.
“Whatever plan he [Azhar] gives to me, i stick to it, and we have been successful so far.”
About that spectacular celebration style that has become unique to the paceman after dismissing a player, Hasan said he enjoys it as much as his fans.
“It is like a bomb that goes off after dismissing someone.”
Hasan urged his fans to pray that he is able pull his celebratory moves “three, four, five times” in Sunday’s final.