IPL 2018: Rashid Khan feels he is playing in Afghanistan

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have a reputation of defending totals, but today they showed they can chase as well. They got to 164 against Delhi Daredevils (DD) in Match 36 of Vivo IPL 2018. In the first innings, Prithvi Shaw hammered the ball to every corner of the ground as DD were going with 10 an over. Then Rashid Khan got Shaw and put brakes on DD. He also got the wicket of  Rishabh Pant, who was struggling to get the ball away. He finished with 4-0-23-2, and was named Player of the Match in his 100th T20 match.

In the post-match presentation he talked about how he bounced back after two bad matches and spoke about his strengths: “Feels really good to perform well and play 100 games at such a young age. I had two bad matches, so had to keep everything simple, do the basics right and enjoy myself. That is the main strength — the quick-arm action which makes it difficult for the batsmen. That’s the only thing I’m taking advantage and working hard on it. The main thing is to bowl at good length — that is important for me.”

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

He also applauded the Hyderabad crowd saying that they give him home feeling during matches which motivates him: “Feeling like playing in Afghanistan. The support and the love they’ve given me in the last two years, it’s amazing. It gives the motivation. Feels good to perform. I don’t think there’s anybody who doesn’t watch IPL (in Afghanistan). I think their prayers help me, especially my parents.”

With two wickets in today’s match Rashid climbed up to the third spot in the Purple Cap list, with 12 wickets.