Star Pakistan power-hitter bids farewell to international cricket
Pakistan’s Asif Ali announces retirement from international cricket after a career filled with fearless cameos, including his unforgettable four sixes against Afghanistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
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Asif Ali, a Pakistani middle-order batter, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, ending his career on a highly prominent note of many achievements and sentimental feelings. The 33-year-old took to social media to confirm his decision in a post on 1 September, where he thanked fans and referred to his time in the Pakistan jersey as the "proudest chapter" of his life.
Asif Ali has played international cricket since 2018 and represented Pakistan in 21 ODI and 58 T20 Internationals, scoring a total of 959 runs in both formats, almost always being put in as a finisher. Being an immense power-hitter, he has some ability to control his emotions, enabling him to carve a significant place in the limited-overs aspect of Pakistan cricket. His T20I strike rate was 133.87, and his ODI average of 121.65 demonstrates his full-blooded attacking mindset and ability to swing matches over the course of a handful of overs.
Ending an Era, Continuing the Passion
Some of Asif's most notable moments came in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, where he produced a moment that is now part of the fabric of cricket history. Batting against Afghanistan with Pakistan needing 24 off 12 balls, Asif launched four enormous sixes off the penultimate over bowled by Karim Janat. His incredible 25 off 7 balls not only secured Pakistan's victory on the day but gave them important momentum in their progression towards the semi-finals.
A year later, Asif showed his finishing abilities once again, this time in the Asia Cup 2022 against India. During a tense chase of 182, Asif's powerful 16 off 8 balls has turned out to be the key moment in Pakistan's chase to deliver them across the line in the final over. It is these knocks that earned Asif a reputation for being a fearless hitter and able to perform under pressure.
His last time pulling on the green shirt was at the Asian Games 2023, and so ended his international career, which spanned nearly a decade. Asif Ali's numbers might not be impressive, but he will be more remembered for his bravery, game-winning cameos, and joyful moments he gave fans.
Asif has announced that although he will retire from international cricket, he will continue to play domestic and league cricket across the world, meaning that he will keep his love for the game going. Although his chapter in Pakistan may be done, his legacy as a brave finisher will continue to live on with the fans.
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