Imran Tahir has always been a valuable asset in the shorter formats and that was evident in South Africa’s massive win over West Indies last evening at St. Kitts.
The Proteas needed a big win in order to stay in the hunt, and they got just that as West Indies was crushed by a bonus point.
Chasing a mammoth 344 to win, West Indies got off to a flying start before they ran into the cunning Imran Tahir.
Tahir had a night to remember as he registered his career-best figures of 7-45 in 9 overs to decimate West Indies’ run chase.
Tahir was on the money with his variations and along with chinaman spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, demolished the hosts. The veteran leg-spinner was pleased with his performance and was named the Man of the Match.
“They (West Indians) are attacking players and we know that. When someone attacks you, there is always an opportunity and that’s what I look for,” Tahir said.
“The West Indian boys can chase anything. It is a big challenge as a spinner to play modern day cricket, where you have to have five players in the circle,” said Tahir.
The leg-spinner also mentioned that technology had made his task far uncomplicated. “Thanks to technology, you can sit and see the opposition’s mistakes and try to learn from them. It’s very challenging as a spinner but it’s good as well because that makes you perfect,” said Tahir.
“I feel really proud. I will take that any day,” Tahir said. “I’m just really pleased. When things like this happen, you feel good about yourself and all the hard work you’ve done in the nets,” he added.
Praising Tabraiz Shamsi, Tahir further added, “He is a very good talent. I’m very happy to see him bowling like that. I’ve been working with him for a long time. He is a brother to me. We played together for a few years in domestic cricket and it’s really nice to see him doing what he is doing.”