‘Isko emerging category mai daal do’ – Fans react to Shoaib Malik’s stunning all-round performance in LPL

Veteran Jaffna Kings allrounder Shoaib Malik gave one of the best all-round performances in the history of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in a losing cause. In the game against Dambulla Aura, the 41-year-old bowled brilliantly well and was the lone warrior with the bat for Jaffna Kings. Despite the efforts of the veteran, the Kings lost the match against Dambulla by 9 runs.  

With the ball, Malik bowled a sensational spell of 4 overs, conceded only 13 runs, and claimed 2 wickets. The right-arm off-spinner claimed the wickets of a well-set Kusal Perera and in-form Dhananjaya De Silva. With the bat, the Sialkot-born cricketer scored an unbeaten 74 runs in 53 balls and saw his team fall due to a lack of support from the other end.  

All-round performance from Shoaib Malik

Jaffna Kings won the toss and elected to bowl first. On a slow wicket in Pallekele, all the batters struggled to score runs at a brisk rate. Dambulla Aura was restricted to a total of 134 runs in their 20 overs. Malik shined with the ball and was the pick of the bowlers. Nuwan Thushara and Maheesh Theekshana bowled well for Jaffna Kings.  

Chasing 135, the Kings were never really in the game. In 6.1 overs, the Kings were reduced to a score of 27/4. After 14.4 overs, the score was 72/7 and the Kings needed 63 runs in 32 balls with only 3 wickets in hand. From there, Malik tried his best to win the match for his team. But the score was probably a bit too much for even a veteran like Malik.   

In the end, Malik scored an unbeaten 74*(53) and saw his team lose the match by 9 runs. Speaking about his knock and the prospects of a Pakistani return, Malik said “I have retired from Tests and ODIs. I had great stats when I was dropped, I am still available to play T20I cricket for Pakistan, but I don’t expect anything from the captain or selectors. Zero expectations and will play till I am enjoying” and revealed he has high expectations for Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup.   

Here’s how the fans reacted to Malik’s comments –

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