Sarfaraz plays down comparisons with Miandad after last-ball six

In one of the most famous sixes in cricket history, Miandad swung India’s Chetan Sharma over the leg side, with four runs required off the last ball, to clinch the 1985-86 Austral-Asia Cup for Pakistan at a deafening Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

It has since gone on to become one of the most decorated and celebrated exploits in one-day cricket, and on Saturday, February 23, at the same venue, Ahmed pulled off a similar feat.

With two runs required off the final ball, South African David Wiese fired a full toss – just as Sharma had all those years ago – and Ahmed deposited it over cow corner for the win. It was the second last-ball six finish in two days at Sharjah – ironically, Wiese had been the batsman on the first occasion.

“You cannot compare my feat with Miandad’s,” Ahmed said. “His was an international match, and the pressure of an international match – that too against India – must have been enormous.”

Ahmed did, however, admit to taking a leaf out of AB de Villiers’ book, citing the South African’s ability to hold his nerve in crunch situations. Walking in at 53/3 in the eighth over of a 144-run chase, Ahmed was left to fight the loss of regular wickets at the other end.

He was partnered by Mohammad Nawaz for a 54-run sixth-wicket stand, but it was ended at a critical juncture, with nine required off nine. Anwar Ali’s departure on the first ball of the last over left Gladiators with seven to get from five deliveries.

Sohail Tanvir played his part perfectly, turning the strike over to his captain off both the balls he faced. “AB plays so calmly, and while there is no comparison, I have also learnt to play calmly,” Ahmed said. “Whenever I get a chance to bat under pressure, I keep my cool, and that is why I delivered tonight.”

Tanvir had earlier taken 2/21 to help restrict Qalandars to 143/7, while fellow left-arm pacer Ghulam Mudassar finished with 3/21 from his four overs. “We bowled well, and credit to the bowlers for keeping Qalandars to 143,” Ahmed said. “That helped us a great deal.”