Mohammad Bilal Asif, hailing from Sialkot, Pakistan, is a talented cricket player who has made his mark in both domestic and international cricket. Born in the year 1985, Bilal Asif made his first-class debut in 2011 at the age of 26. Despite only playing 11 matches in his first four seasons, he found success in the 2014-15 season, where he scored 310 runs, including his maiden century.
Asif’s cricketing journey began during Pakistan’s isolation as an international venue. He gained attention during the Super9 T20 Cup in May 2015 when he impressed with a blistering knock of 114 runs off just 48 balls. This performance caught the eye of national selectors, not only for his batting skills but also his ability to bowl offspin. At a time when Pakistan had lost key spinners Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez due to suspect actions, Asif’s bowling prowess was seen as a valuable asset. He proved his worth by taking nine wickets in the national T20 tournament in Rawalpindi.
In 2015, Asif was selected for Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka, although he made his debut during the ODI series in Zimbabwe later that year. In only his second ODI, he made a significant impact by taking a five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe. However, he was subsequently reported for a suspect action after the game, raising concerns about the continuation of his international career.
Despite the setback, Asif remained determined to overcome this obstacle. He worked tirelessly on his action with renowned coach Mushtaq Ahmed, which eventually paid dividends. In October 2018, he received a breakthrough opportunity when he was called up for Pakistan’s Test series against Australia in the UAE. Initially considered a reserve player, an injury to Shadab Khan saw him thrust into the starting lineup.
What followed was undoubtedly one of Asif’s finest moments in his cricketing career. In a spectacular display of skill and determination, he ripped through the Australian batting lineup, taking six wickets for 36 runs in a single session. His incredible performance played a crucial role in Pakistan’s victory as they dismissed Australia for just 60 runs. Notably, his teammate Yasir Shah, a renowned spinner, did not take a wicket until the fifth afternoon, highlighting the exceptional nature of Asif’s achievement.
Asif’s bowling action is a unique blend of two contrasting offspinners. His run-up resembles that of Arshad Khan, featuring a slow and languid shuffle to the crease. However, his wrists possess the tantalizing qualities reminiscent of legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. This distinctive combination allows him to deceive batsmen with his doosras while generating exceptional turn with his offspin.
While Asif may not replicate such extraordinary success again or feature frequently in Test matches, he has already proven his worth as a cricketer. His hard work, determination, and perseverance have made the challenging journey of his career worthwhile. With his skills, Asif continues to play a vital role in the domestic cricket circuit, contributing to the success of his team.
