In superb form, cricketer Ahmad Banday shined with bat and ball to lead his team Bury Cricket Club to a crushing win over Brooksbottom CC in the match of Division-1A Greater Manchester Cricket League at Bury Sports Club, Radcliffe Rd, Lancashire, England on Saturday.
Having so far shined with ball and missed in batting department for which he is known for, Kashmir cricket sensation Ahmad Banday scored 64 runs off 65 balls to lead his side to a resounding victory in the league.
Before that he had also picked four wickets in the match. For his all-round performer Banday bagged his first Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match award.
Banday had recently joined Bury Cricket Club as their overseas professional player and so far has played four matches in the league. Mostly known for his batting in J&K, Banday has been able to take full advantage of English conditions by taking 12 wickets with his medium pacers. Last season, Banday who is right handed opening batsman was J&K’s highest run getter in Ranji trophy tournament.
In the four matches played so far, Banday has scored 106 runs and has taken 12 wickets. Before this inning Banday’s best score with bat was 17 runs as he had struggled to find his touch in bowling friendly conditions. In absence of his batting prowess, he has been able to contribute with the ball.
“I am getting used to conditions now and that was visible during my inning. Conditions were tough but I was middling the ball nicely. I am happy that finally I was able to contribute with the bat for my team and that too in a win,” Banday said over phone.
Banday had debuted for J&K at Under-16 level as an all-rounder but with the passage of time he went on to turn as batting mainstay who opens.
“I had started as an all-rounder but with the passage of time I started to focus more on batting than bowling. Indian tracks favor batting and spin more. However, here conditions are suitable for medium pacers like mine. I took the advantage and have done well so far,” he said.