Nauman Ali on 97 against Zimbabwe: I worked on my batting a lot after South Africa series

Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who scored a 104-ball 97 against Zimbabwe on Saturday, has opened up on how he has worked on his batting ahead of the two-match series. Nauman Ali, who made his Test debut against South Africa in January, has said that he focussed more on batting after the home series which made Saturday’s knock possible.

Nauman Ali, who had an aggregate of 77 runs in his 4 innings before the ongoing Test, scored his maiden fifty. Despite missing out on his maiden first-class hundred, Nauman said that he is more than satisfied with his innings.
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“This is also my highest score in first-class cricket. I had put my all for the century but fell three runs short, I am still thankful to god for the 97. Abid gave me the confidence when I went out to bat as our plan was to play two sessions,” said Nauman posted in a video by Pakistan Cricket on Twitter.

“After my fifty, I took the chances in order to score quick runs. Abid also guided me during the knock whenever I felt I was doing something wrong,” he said.

“After the South Africa series, I worked on my batting a lot along with my bowling. The coaching staff also helped me during the camp here prior to the start of the series,” he added.

Where does the 97 stand in Pakistan’s history?

Nauman Ali’s knock of 97, which included five sixes, is also the second-highest score by a Pakistan No.9 batsman. It is also the highest score for a Pakistan No.9 batsman in 54 years. Pakistan’s Asif Iqbal had scored 146 against England in London, 1967.

On day two of the second Test, opener Abid Ali scored an unbeaten double hundred and formed a 169-run partnership with Nauman Ali. Pakistan declared on 510/8 and dismantled Zimbabwe to 52/4 before Stumps.