Self-belief, hard work behind triumph: Shadab

KARACHI: Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan expressed delight after his team secured a record-third HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, defeating Multan Sultans in a last-ball thriller at National Bank Stadium here late Monday night.

Shadab, who picked three wickets to restrict Sultans to 159, thanked the Karachi crowd, which finally turned out in numbers, besides acknowledging the hard work that United’s management put into winning the trophy.

“The sign of a good team is they win even without playing a perfect game. I would like to thank the owners for backing and supporting me throughout my journey. This trophy means a lot to us,” Shadab said while addressing the post-match press conference.

Shadab, who scored 305 runs and took 14 wickets during the ninth season, credited the new coach Mike Hesson. “He is a calm person like most Kiwis are. He brings the best plans.”

Shadab also backed all-rounder Imad, who delivered both with the bat and ball during the Eliminators and the final, to take his retirement back as the T20 World Cup is around the corner.

Shadab has been criticised for focusing just on his batting as he played for United at number four and not being threatening with the ball most of the time. But he expressed optimism. “I was a batter at the start of my career. So, I want to utilise my batting abilities by batting up the order. It also helps my team. Yes, I was struggling while bowling, but I have tried to fix the issues. I am hopeful for further improvements,” he said.