NOTTINGHAM: Pakistan’s premier red ball fast bowler Mohammad Abbas dedicated his Nottinghamshire debut performance in the county championship to the Pakistani armed forces who gave a befitting response to Indian aggression.
The fast bowler ripped through the opponent Hampshire’s batting line up in the first innings with figures of 5 for 31 in 15 overs, playing a pivotal role in bundling out Hampshire for 196 at Trent Bridge. His devastating seam bowling spell handed Nottinghamshire a significant 137-run lead in the ongoing County Championship Division One match.
Speaking to Geo News, Abbas said, “First of all I want to thank Almighty Allah that I managed to get a five-wicket haul in the first innings of my debut game for Nottinghamshire. I have previous experience of playing at this ground. There is some help for seamers in the pitch with the new ball, so I am really happy to get a fiver.”
In a poignant moment which perfectly aligned his successful Nottinghamshire debut with Pakistani forces victory over India, the fast bowler dedicated his stellar performance to the Pakistani military.
“I want to dedicate this performance to our brave Pakistani forces — the army, navy, and air force — who, stationed at the country’s borders even at this moment, have been fighting with such valour and bravery against the enemy forces,” said Abbas.
“We Pakistanis want peace in this world and with our neighbouring countries. But if we are forced into war again and again, then the way our armed forces have retaliated on this occasion, I am sure they will continue to respond in the same manner in any further misadventures by the Indian forces.”
The 34-year-old was quick to acknowledge the support of his teammates and the management, including head coach Peter Moores and captain Haseeb Hameed.
“Everyone in the team is happy with my performance. Even my pals in the Hampshire team appreciated it, since I’ve played for them in the past three seasons and I know their strengths and weaknesses. Wherever I play, I try to give my hundred percent.”
Abbas’s return to Nottinghamshire had been long awaited. He initially signed with the club in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his debut. After four successful seasons with Hampshire, during which he claimed 180 red-ball wickets, the baller rejoined Nottinghamshire on a six-match deal.
