LONDON: Pakistan’s frontline pacer Hasan Ali showed his magic for Lancashire on opening day of the third round of the County Championship against Gloucestershire by bowling a splendid spell of 6/47, registering his 17th fifer in First-Class cricket.
The 27-year-old had made an impressive County debut against Kent and returned with match figures of 5-94 in 43 overs which included 11 maidens.
– ALHAMDOLILLAH ❤️ #Lancashire #Cricket #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/XePhC8GOwH
— Hassan Ali ???????? (@RealHa55an) April 21, 2022
Hasan’s first scalp was Chris Dent (52), who was caught at the second slip. The next wicket was Miles Hammond (9), who chased a wide delivery and it stuck in the keeper’s gloves.
He followed with a dismissal of Tom Lace (0) with a full searing delivery that struck onto the pads. The right-arm pacer cleaned up Josh Shaw (18), who chopped it onto the stumps.
Hasan’s fifth wicket was of Jared Warner (0), who edged it to the third slip. And he got the last wicket as well of No.11 Ajeet Dale (4), who chipped it to the backward point as Gloucestershire bundled out for 252.
Reflecting on his performance, Hasan said that it was special for him to bag a fifer and highlighted a great moment when England legend James Anderson lauded him.
“Picking up a five-fer is always special for a fast-bowler, and this one is pretty special for me, especially when you are bowling with the great Jimmy bhai,” Hasan said via Lancashire cricket.
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— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) April 21, 2022
“I was a bit nervous to be sharing the bowling with Jimmy,” admitted Hassan. “But he was supporting me and backing me so it was nice.” Hassan was philosophical about getting six wickets while Anderson went wicketless today.
“Sometimes you bowl really well and don’t get wickets,” he said, adding: “That’s cricket.” “We’ve got a brilliant bowling attack (here) and I’m enjoying playing with them.
Anderson and Saqib Mahmood also took to their social platforms and hailed Hasan’s performances.
