Sharjah: It was exhilarating for former South Africa all-rounder David Wiese to bat in a fully-packed Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
More so, he came out as one of the heroes in the win for Lahore Qalandars, reviving 33-year-old memories of the last-ball six at this iconic venue, achieved by Pakistan great Javed Miandad.
Needing three off the final delivery against Multan Sultans, Wiese sent the ball sailing over long-off boundary. He finished with 45 not out – all with five sixes – and added a match-winning 96 for the unbroken fifth wicket stand with his more illustrious partner AB de Villiers.
Wiese said it was electrifying to hit the winning six with a packed house chanting for Lahore.
“The crowd was fantastic and gives you that little bit more energy and it’s always nice to play before a packed crowd,” said Wiese. “It gives you energy and hopefully it remains the same in this PSL.”
Wiese, who could not do much for Karachi Kings in his earlier PSL stints, said he was confident of hitting a last ball six.
“As a bowler, you feel under pressure, so I know that you can go for a six (as bowler) so in that situation you feel confident. I was hitting the ball nicely and it came off well,” said Wiese of his six against Australian Dan Christian.
Wiese reckons batting with a great like AB de Villiers is always a pleasure.
“AB and I have batted so many times in the IPL and for South Africa, and it’s nice to bat with him, he is calm and supportive,” said Wiese, who played six ODIs and 20 T20Is for his country.
“I think AB does what he does, he is very skilled and is always step ahead of the bowler and he knows what is coming and keeps them under pressure.”
Wiese believes AB is a calm and skilled captain, leading Lahore after regular captain Mohammad Hafeez fractured his thumb and ruled out of the PSL.
“I think AB is one of those captains who doesn't like to speak too much. He doesn’t complicate things, he believes in having a clear planning in his mind and just want you to try to execute your skill as much as possible.
“With him as captain you have that calmness and he backs his players hundred percent and that’s good for the players.”