This talent continues to be unearthed within the ranks at the domestic level, and PakPassion had the pleasure of catching up with another upcoming and talented pace bowler, Nasrullah Khan.

by Usama Ahmed (9th January 2011)

Pakistan cricket has an unerring ability to churn out exceptionally talented fast bowlers seemingly out on thin air. The nation has always been blessed with bowlers capable of causing fear in the bosoms of the most battle-hardened of batsmen. 

This talent continues to be unearthed within the ranks at the domestic level, and PakPassion had the pleasure of catching up with another upcoming and talented pace bowler, Nasrullah Khan. 

The 26 year old left arm pacer from Islamabad has had a late start to his career, this season being his second. Nasrullah Khan has 19 first class matches under his belt with an impressive bowling average of 21.34. 

When asked about his cricketing upbringing, Nasrullah Khan was candid with his words “I just played as much cricket as I could and was guided by fellow team mates at the club.” He was never provided the expert assistance bowlers require, yet as a determined bowler he kept grafting away until his skills were refined enough for first-class cricket. He has never been handed anything on a platter in his life and one can tell he has put in the hard yards.

“I have never received advice from famous senior players, but have always followed Wasim Akram’s bowling as he was and is my role model.” As most left handed pacers in Pakistan, Nasrullah’s role model is Wasim Akram and rightly so. “I basically just watch his videos to hone my own skills and learn as much as I can.” His willingness to learn became even more evident with his enthusiasm concerning watching Akram’s exploits over the years.

Nasrullah Khan was first sighted by his current first-class team during a local tournament. “I was simply participating in local hard ball tournaments for 3-4 years until one of the coaches asked me to join the district team.” His ascent didn’t stop there; Nasrullah Khan maintained his bowling consistency and quickly progressed into the first-class structure. 

Discussing his ability on the field with the ball, Nasrullah was candid and honest in his own assessment of his skills. “I have never had a speed gun monitor by pace, but most say I am in the 130s KPH. Generally, I am a swing bowler that can bowl with the new and old ball with equal effectiveness.” 

His knowledge of reverse swing indicated Nasrullah’s willingness to learn as much as he can to succeed. “The ball tends to reverse quite a bit in Islamabad as after 15 overs the ball gets destroyed. The pitch plays a big part in how much the ball reverses, though."

Reverse swing has become an almost mandatory asset for a bowler to garner a position at the international level and that’s evident based on Nasrullah’s focus on that skill.

We wish Nasrullah all the best in his future endeavours for his domestic side.