I can hit sixes on any pitch, says Zazai

Afghanistan hard-hitter Hazratullah Zazai's blistering 41-ball 78 laid the foundation for Dhaka Dynamites to post a huge total of 189 for five and, backed by a clinical bowling performance that saw Rajshahi Kings fold for just 106, sealed the Bangladesh Premier League match in Mirpur yesterday.

It was the opening pair of Zazai and Sunil Narine that gave Dhaka a flying start as they added 113 runs. Narine however was dismissed on 38 off 28 but Zazai, on his maiden BPL appearance, struck seven sixes and four boundaries to keep the crowd on their feet.

When asked about the secret to his big-hitting abilities, the 20-year-old, who idolizes West Indies big-hitter Chris Gayle, said that he always tried to hit sixes in training sessions which has seen him gain in confidence.

"I don't have any secrets. I just believe in myself and my shots and when I practice I try to hit sixes all the time. So whatever plan the coach and the captain give me, I try to follow that and they give me the freedom," Zazai said after the match.

"The wicket was not easy. It was difficult but because I am in good form I am able to hit sixes on any pitch."

Rajshahi's young captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz opined that there were quite a few mistakes in the field which proved vital to his team's defeat.

"It was the flying start from Dhaka which changed the momentum. However if we were able to hold on to the chances that we missed, we could have cut down 10-20 runs," Mehedi said.