Abu Dhabi T10: Qalandars unearth another pace-bowling star in Ahmed Daniyal

Coach Aaqib Javed calls young Lahore quick a special talent

Qalandars fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket

Aaqib Javed believes Qalandars have unearthed another new gem following the emergence of Ahmed Daniyal at the Abu Dhabi T10.

Despite their limited success on the field in the early years as a Pakistan Super League franchise, Lahore Qalandars have established a rich production line of new talent.

Haris Rauf, who was discovered via tape-ball cricket, is the most notable product of their player development pathway.

The fast bowler has since graduated to the Pakistan national team, and starred in the BBL in Australia, too.

This season’s T10 has provided a first glimpse of another new find, in the shape of fast bowler Daniyal.

The 24-year old from Lahore has been among the most economical bowlers in the tournament so far, which has underpinned his side’s rise to the top of the table.

Qalandars claimed a fourth consecutive victory as they beat Maratha Arabians with four wickets to spare at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, with Daniyal again miserly with the ball.

“We have been doing this for the past four years,” Aaqib, the Qalandars coach, said.

“All over Pakistan, we have seen around half a million kids, and every year we are producing something new, like Ahmed Daniyal. He is a special talent.”

Daniyal has been in the Qalandars system for the past two years, having also been discovered via tape-ball cricket.

“He used to be very chubby, but credit to him, in the past six or seven months, he has really worked hard with our trainer,” Sameen Rana, the Qalandars chief executive, said.

“The task given to him was to get into shape to have the opportunity. When he showed us he could do that, it was an easy decision for us to make.

“Improving his health and fitness has helped his confidence and skill as well.”

Qalandars maintained their 100 per cent record in the tournament after they first held Maratha Arabians to 101-5 from their 10 overs, with Sohail Tanvir taking three wickets.

Ben Dunk then marshalled the chase as they completed the task with 11 balls to spare.

Defeat meant the defending champions remain bottom of the table, with just one win from their four matches so far.

“[Qalandars] have a quality attack at they have momentum after winning all their games,” Mohammed Hafeez, the Arabians batsman, said.

“Their bowling line up is really strong, and you have to play really well to score big runs against them.

“As a team, we couldn’t post the sort of total that should be on the board. As a team, we are not playing well, we are dropping catches, our bowling is not as sharp as it should be.”