Pakistani origin Scot might just bowl his way to the World Cup
Mar 21, 2018 at 5:25 PM
Pakistan has traditionally been a fast bowlers’ hub, from the likes of Wasim Akram to Mohammad Ameer, they have always had a world-class fast bowler at their disposal. Come 2019, and we may see another one of them bowling his heart out at the Mecca of Cricket- the Lord’s.
However, not wearing the Pakistani green but donning Scottish colours. Safyaan Sharif is all set to help Scotland cross the finish line and be a part of the Cricket World Cup 2019.
1991 born Sharif was born to Pakistani parents in Yorkshire, England but moved to Scotland as a child. He attributes his love for the game to his dad. He started playing cricket when he was 11 years old at Dunnikier Cricket Club along with his dad. He made his ODI debut for Scotland against the Netherlands in June 2011 where he came back with figures of 4/27. Earlier during the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, he completed his first 5-fer returning with figures of 5 for 33 against Zimbabwe and eventually getting the Man of the Match award. Today’s game played at the Harare Sports Club between the West Indies, and Scotland is a virtual qualifier with the winning team qualifying straight for the 2019 ODI World Cup.
At the time of writing this report, with the help of Safyaan Sharif’s impressive three-wicket haul, Scotland has managed to bundle out the very formidable West Indies line-up including the likes of Gayle to a measly 198. Sharif managed to capture the globetrotter Gayle for a first ball duck which definitely will be a memorable memory for the youngster. All eyes will be on the Scottish chase when they come back after the break, but whatever the result might be, if early indications are a sign, this Pakistani origin speedster is a star of the future.