By IANS,
New Delhi : Pakistan national champions Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited’s (SNGPL) fast bowler Imran Ali said the overcast sky helped him swung the ball and claim a hat trick against Ranji Trophy champions Delhi on the opening day of the Mohammed Nissar Trophy here Monday.
Imran picked up six for 52 including the hat trick – his second in recent months – to bowl out Delhi for a paltry 134 in the first innings. At the close of play, SNGPL were struggling at 143 for six at the Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium.
“It was my first match in Delhi and India. The pitch was a batsman’s paradise but I bowled well on the surface. We lost a little initiative at the end of the day but that is part of the game. Rain interruption and the weather did help me out to maintain a good line and length,” Imran, who sees an idol in Wasim Akran, told reporters after the match.
With fellow pacer Asad Ali, Imran formed a potent attack for the Pakistan team, who are the winners of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy back home.
“Asad Ali has formed a good partnership with me and we joined hand to lead our team to the Quaid-e-Azam trophy. Wasim bhai is my idol, he has helped me out in my formative years and I have also had the fortune of playing with him,” he added.
Delhi’s Virat Kohli also said that the wicket helped the bowlers and hoped that it will improve in the coming days..
“It’s good that we haven’t given them a big lead. Chances are good if we bat well the second time around. They have good bowlers and good team, Imran bowled really well, moved it both ways and maintained the shine of the ball in the innings,” he said.