Pakistan’s power-hitter calls time on international career
Pakistan batter Asif Ali confirmed he will continue featuring in domestic cricket but has chosen to call time on his international career.
Pakistan middle-order batter Asif Ali has announced his retirement from international cricket, confirming the news in a social media post on 1 September.
Since making his debut in 2018, Ali featured in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring 959 runs across the two white-ball formats.
“Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket,” his social media post read.
“Wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life and serving my country on the cricket field has been my proudest chapter.”
Primarily utilised as a finisher and power hitter, Asif Ali carved out a niche in Pakistan’s middle order, boasting strike rates of 133.87 in T20Is and 121.65 in ODIs.
His standout moment came at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 against Afghanistan, where he produced a breathtaking cameo that remains etched in memory.
With Pakistan needing 24 off 12 balls, Ali hammered four sixes in the penultimate over off Karim Janat, racing to 25 from just 7 deliveries and sealing the chase with an over to spare, a knock that proved pivotal in Pakistan’s march to the semi-finals.
Four sixes in an over – Asif Ali does a Carlos Brathwaite
A year later, Ali showcased his finishing prowess once again in the Asia Cup, blasting an 8-ball 16 in a tense chase against India to help Pakistan overhaul a target of 182 in the final over.
The 33-year-old’s most recent spell in Pakistan colours came at the Asian Games 2023, having last featured before that in the unforgettable 2022 T20 World Cup clash against India at the MCG.
“I retire with immense gratitude, and will continue to share my passion for the game by playing domestic and league cricket worldwide,” he concluded in his statement.