Haider Ali, the young Pakistani talent, showcased his incredible batting prowess by smashing four consecutive sixes, lifting the Chattogram Kings to a thrilling victory against the Rangpur Riders on January 29, 2025, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. Coming to bat at a precarious moment, Ali's explosive knock not only stole the show, but it also turned the match around from the brink of defeat.
Chasing 144 runs, the Kings found themselves struggling at 63 for three after just 10 overs, prompting concerns among their supporters. Iftikhar Ahmed had earlier anchored the Riders’ innings with his commendable score of 65 off 47 balls, helping them set a competitive total of 143. But it was Ali's blistering response with the bat, which reignited hope for his team.
Ali began his innings cautiously, before electrifying the crowd with his power-hitting when it mattered the most. With 20 runs required from the last three overs, the match had turned tense. Entering the 18th over, facing left-arm pacer Akif Javed, Ali unleashed his fury. The left-armer delivered the first ball, and with sheer audacity, Ali swung it over the long-on boundary for the first six. An instant momentum shift followed as he launched the next delivery over deep square leg, before completing the unbelievable feat with two more consecutive sixes. Just like magic, the Kings needed just eight more runs to clinch the match.
With this astonishing performance, Ali ended his innings unbeaten on 48 off just 18 balls, and remarkably grabbed the Player of the Match award. His remarkable strike rate of 266.66 reflected his intent and aggression, making it clearly evident why he was regarded as one of the rising stars of cricket.
Despite his match-winning knock, Iftikhar Ahmed played valiantly for the Riders, knitting together their innings after they toppled to 68 for five at one point. Partnering with Mehidy Hasan, who scored 22 not out, Ahmed’s efforts looked promising until Ali took the game entirely away from their grasp.
The victory was significant for Chattogram Kings as it not only secured two precious points but also provided them with much-needed momentum after recent underwhelming performances. With Ali's return to form, questions have arisen surrounding his absence from the Pakistani national squad, particularly with the World Cup looming.
The Kings’ victory against the Riders also marked the end of the Riders’ two-match winning run. Following this defeat, Rangpur Riders, currently holding second place, must regroup if they wish to remain competitive as the BPL season progresses. Likewise, this remarkable performance from Ali should serve as a wake-up call to selectors, as they evaluate form and fitness for the national side.
Moving forward, Ali's incredible display raises excitement among fans and analysts alike, renewing hope for his future prospects with the national team. With his confidence soaring, cricket enthusiasts will undoubtedly be eager to see how he translates this potent performance onto the international stage.