Ahmed fifer eclipses starry Delhi

Sahil Malhotra / ESPNSTAR.com

Ahmed fifer eclipses starry Delhi

Little known Uttar Pradesh bowler Imtiaz Ahmed claimed his first five-wicket haul on a day where the seasoned players failed to deliver.

By Sahil Malhotra in Ghaziabad
The high-profile clash of the Ranji Trophy giants Delhi and home team Uttar Pradesh provided quite a surprise. Belying popular expectations, Uttar Pradesh bowlers led by Ahmed ensured that the home team had the advantage by the time umpires declared stumps.
After being asked to bat, the line-up donning the likes of Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir could only manage a paltry 235 on a pitch which offered some assistance for the bowlers.
The home-side ensured that the famed India trio didn’t do any severe damage as they  accumulated 71 runs on the board.
The UP bowlers were hitting the deck hard and used the pitch to full effect as the seamers bowled major chunk of the overs on the first day of the match.
Player of the day, Imtiaz Ahmed was pumped up after his maiden five-wicket haul.
“It feels very good to pick five wickets against a formidable batting line-up,” said the 26-year old.
“I ensured to bowl in the right areas and sticked to a proper line and length,” retorted Ahmed when asked about his game-plan.
The pacer credited the contribution and guidance of coach Venkatesh Prasad.
“We didn't have a lengthy camp but Venky sir (coach Venkatesh Prasad) told me to stick to my strengths. Also Zaidi bhai who has now watched me for a long time also helped me. My strength is bowling outswingers and I also like hitting the deck. The delivery that I got Gambhir out nipped a little bit after pitching," informed Ahmed.
Ahmed also thanked seasoned bowler Praveen Kumar for his constant advice which egged him.
“PK (Praveen Kumar) keeps giving me the tips, which really helps in the middle,” said the seamer,
It was a big occasion for the players itching to make a mark as the star-base attracted enough eye-balls towards Friday’s action. Like the majority, Ahmed too wanted to make most of this opportunity.
“It was a big occasion to bowl against such batsmen (Sehwag, Gambhir and Kohli) and I wanted to make my coach, selectors and team happy,” said Ahmed who snared Mithun Manhas and Puneet Bist too.
Opposition coach, Vijay Dahiya too lauded the home side’s efforts on a “very good pitch”.
“I saw the pitch yesterday (Thursday) and it looked like a very good bowling pitch. Credit must go the UP bowlers for using it to full effect,” said Dahiya.
Post day’s play, some of the Delhi boys commenced a very unusual game of football while Mohammad Kaif faced Sudeep Tyagi on the practice pitches.