Wasim Akram praises ‘serious talent’ Ayesha Naseem

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram has heaped praise on Pakistan women’s team batter Ayesha Naseem after her impressive cameo during the first T20 against Australia on Tuesday.

Ayesha scored 24 runs in 20 balls, with the help of three sixes and a four.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Akram stated “now that’s some serious talent” while quoting a video of Ayesha’s first six in the innings.

Ayesha has represented Pakistan in 27 T20I matches, while scoring 315 runs at a strike-rate of 124.01. She has also played four ODI matches for Pakistan.

It must be noted that Australia eased past Pakistan by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match women’s T20I series in Sydney.

The home side achieved the 119-run target in 13.4 overs with eight wickets in hand.

Star batter Ellyse Perry top-scored with unbeaten 57 off 40 balls, which included seven fours and one six. Meanwhile, Ashleign Gardner returned undefeated on 30 off 19 balls, with the help of three fours and one six. The pair accumulated an unbroken 64 runs for the third wicket.

For Pakistan, spinners Nida Dar and Sadia Iqbal claimed a wicket each.

Earlier, after deciding to bat first, Pakistan were bowled out for 118 on the final ball of the last over.

The score of 118 was Pakistan’s second highest total against Australia in Australia, which was largely due to Omaima Sohail (30, 36b, 2x4) and Ayesha Naseem (24, 20b, 1x4, 3x6). The pair added 37 runs for the sixth wicket.

For Australia, Schutt took her maiden five-wicket haul in the T20Is, with match figures of 4-1-15-5. Perry and King took two wickets apiece.

Australia and Pakistan will feature in the second T20I on Thursday, 26 January at the Blundstone Arena, Hobart. The game will start at 1905 (local time) with the toss taking place at 1835.

It must be noted that Australia whitewashed Pakistan in the three-match ODI series during the ongoing tour as well.

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