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"I Know How To Bat…": Jaker Ali Flexes Versatility After BAN’s T20I Series Win Vs PAK

Aakash Saini

Jaker Ali in action against Pakistan [Source: @BCBtigers/x]Jaker Ali in action against Pakistan [Source: @BCBtigers/x]

Bangladesh outclassed Pakistan in a low-scoring thriller to seal the three-match T20I series in Mirpur with a game to spare. While bowlers Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Shoriful Islam successfully restricted the Pakistani line-up to 125 in a chase of 133, it was middle-order batter Jaker Ali who laid the foundation for Bangladesh early in the game after the hosts slipped to 28-4.

Fittingly bagging the ‘Player of the Match’ award, Jaker Ali reflected his mindset with the bat after losing early wickets and talked about his ability of batting with the tail.

Jaker Ali Was “Mentally Prepared” After Top-Order Setback

While speaking with the reporters during the post-match press conference, Jaker Ali revealed that the Bangladesh team was aware of the favorable bowling conditions on offer in Mirpur prior to the match itself. The cricketer said that his captain Litton Das instructed him to go a 140-odd total after Bangladesh lost early wickets. He said:

“The captain had given me a separate plan after we lost wickets quickly. We had come into the game knowing that the conditions wouldn't allow for a high-scoring match. I thought it was a 155-160 wicket, but the captain told me to go for 140. I think we were seven runs short. If I had hit a six off the last ball, we would have given them that target. I think this is a good approach, where I know my goal.”

Jaker Ali also added that while he is comfortable batting with the tail, he was “mentally prepared” to move up the order after his team crashed to 28-4 inside the powerplay overs. He added:

“I have always batted at No. 7 since my age-group days, so I know how to bat with the tail. I once added 71 runs with the tail to score a century in the Under-17s. I knew well ahead that I would bat at No. 5. I was mentally prepared. I batted in this position in the West Indies too. I stuck to my usual routines. I have been working at it for the last two years with our batting coach [Mohammad Salahuddin]. I only count match-winning runs. The rest doesn't register with me.”

It is worth noting that Jaker Ali also notched up the winning runs for Bangladesh in the first T20I against Pakistan at the same venue. His innings on Tuesday, July 22 set up stage for another thrilling eight-run win for Bangladesh, as Litton Das and co. sealed the three-match T20I series with a match to spare.

Jaker Ali alongside the rest of his teammates will now face Pakistan in the third T20I on Thursday, July 24.