Not surprised by Rashid's batting show: Yusuf Pathan

Rashid Khan (Image - IANS)

Kolkata, May 26 - Experienced Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batsman Yusuf Pathan said Rashid Khan's belligerent batting against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 2 was not a surprise.

Rashid on Friday plundered an unbeaten 10-ball 34 towards the end of Sunrisers' innings to help them get out of a hole and score 174/7. Eventually, those extra runs proved to be the difference as KKR could manage 160/9 in 20 overs. Rashid returned spectacular figures of 3/19 in four overs.

"He is a good cricketer and in Big Bash and other overseas tournaments, he has batted well, hit fours and sixes. He has the ability to bat and that is why he bats at number 8. Against Chennai (Super Kings) also he hit a couple of sixes. So we don't doubt his ability and were not surprised," Pathan said at the post match press conference.

Heaping praise on the 19-year Afghanistan spinner, Pathan said Rashid has been consistently doing well for the team in crunch situations.

"He batted and bowled really well, and when the team needed that he delivered. He deserves credit for performing consistently well throughout the season. We have seen him bowl well but today we saw him bat well too.

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