Mohammad Asif recalled the memories of the India- Pakistan final in the first edition of the T20 world cup. Team India created history when they emerged as champions in the final of the 2007 World T20. India under the leadership of MS Dhoni defeated Pakistan by 4 fours to win the inaugural T20 World Cup.
As the Men in Green collapsed for 152 runs while chasing a target of 157, Pakistan needed just 6 runs to win from the final four balls when Misbah attempted the shot over fine leg, which was caught by S Sreesanth at short fine-leg. Mohammad Asif who was at the non-striker’s end recalled the memories of the 2007 world cup, Talking to the YouTuber Reyan Sayed, said
“My main memory is of the final match when Misbah played that shot. I was there at the non-striker’s end. We had hit a four off the second last ball of the 19th over and Misbah had hit a six off the first ball of the 20th over.
The 36-year-old recalled his conversation with his partner during the 20th over, Asif said that he went to Misbah and asked him to hit a six, but Misbah went for a scoop shot and caught by Sreesanth which handed India the maiden title in T20 World Cup.
Then I went to him (Misbah) and said Chachu. He’s elder than me so I call him chacha. Don’t take singles and doubles. Go and hit a six as you did on the first ball. The bowler (Joginder Sharma) had lost his rhythm and had no pace. But Misbah played a wrong shot in the wrong direction and we lost the world cup. That will remain the saddest moment for me.”
Asif said that it was one of the saddest moments for him in his cricketing career. Asif was handed a seven-year ban in 2011 for his role in the spot-fixing scandal during Pakistan’s tour of England.
“Mohammad Asif Was The Toughest Pakistan Bowler I faced,” – Former India Opener Robin Uthappa
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has lauded Pakistan bowler Mohammad Asif, saying that he was the toughest bowler he has ever faced. Uthappa who recently announced his retirement from International cricket has played for Dubai Capitals in ILT20.
“Mohammad Asif was the toughest Pakistan bowler I faced. His skill level was very high. Asif used to swing the ball, and you cannot compare him with Shaheen Shah Afridi,” said Robin Uthappa.
Pakistan is always known for its fast bowling unit among them, Asif is considered one of the best bowlers that Pakistan has ever produced; he was known for his swing bowling and ability to pick up wickets consistently.