Karachi Kings took the game to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) current league leaders Multan Sultans when they beat their opponents by 66 runs in Karachi on Sunday. Hero for the home side was their debutant Tayyab Tahir, who scored 65 runs off 46 balls with eight fours and one six while batting at No.3.
After his innings, the 29-year-old spoke to the broadcast presenters about his magical innings and named Virat Kohli, Babar Azam and AB de Villiers among his idols. He also revealed that he follows the batting of Jason Roy and Shoaib Malik to learn the tricks of the trade. Malik is his teammate in the ongoing tournament.
"I watch a lot of different players, like Jason Roy, Shoaib Malik, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam," Tahir was quoted as saying to presenter Zainab Abbas during the innings break.
Tahir's innings helped his team post a modest total of 167, losing just three wickets after being sent in to bat first by Mohammad Rizwan's Multan side. The debutant came in to bat after the Karachi openers Matthew Wade and James Vince took the game to their opponents and set up a 32-run partnership off 3.1 overs.
Tahir came in to bat after Matthew Wade and James Vince took the Kings off to a flying start with a partnership of 32 runs for the opening wicket off 3.1 overs. After some brilliant batting, the right-hander went on to play until the 17th over when fast bowler Ihsanullah trapped him plumb in front.
"I want to thank the almighty for giving me a chance at this level. I am honoured to get this chance when the whole world is watching," he stated.
Tahir also opened up about his interaction with Kings' bowling coach Wasim Akram, who is also Pakistan's all-time leading wicket-taker in international cricket.
"He was asking me where I am most comfortable. He asked me to be ready for my chance," Tahir added.
