Shahid Yousuf’s 39-run knock stood out as the rest of the Sialkot Stallions’ batsmen fell to the Auckland Aces after opting to bat first. The middle-order batsman played a valiant innings comprising three sixes and just as many boundaries, before being sent back by Ronnie Hira. Playing in the CLT20 qualifiers for the first time, the team from Pakistan lost to the Auckland Aces by six wickets at the Wanderers Stadium today.

Speaking to clt20.com, Yousuf spoke about the opportunities and lessons that playing in a tournament of this stature present to a cricketer.

Excerpts from the brief interview:       

On his innings today

They bowled very well. They started especially well. There was a lot of bounce in the wicket, which is very different from our pitches so our batsmen faced a bit of trouble. I faced a bit of problem in the beginning but after that I tried to play my natural game and that helped.

On the platform and opportunities that a tournament like CLT20 offers

It is a very good platform especially for youngsters. We will try and make most of the opportunity that it offers. We will try and win the next game and come back into the tournament and try to qualify for CLT20 2012. The whole world is watching so we can definitely benefit a lot from this.

On how playing against a various international cricketers benefits the players

It is a very good experience to be able to play against international players from other countries. We are doing this for the first time. We get to learn a lot just by watching them.

On regrouping before the next match

We will not give up till the last ball is bowled. We will try to finish our last group match to the best of our abilities and the rest we leave up to God.