Although they did not make it to the main event, the Sialkot Stallions finished their CLT20 2012 campaign on a high. They beat Hampshire by six wickets at the New Wanderers Stadium here today. Participating in the tournament for the first time, the jubilant Sialkot Stallions will be returning home with some happy memories after their victory today.

In an interview with clt20.com, Stallions pacer Rana Naved spoke about the team’s experience in the tournament and his bowling.

Excerpts:

On today’s win

It was very good effort from the boys. It was a team effort. Unfortunately, we lost the first match. The ball was swinging in the first game, so the batsmen found it a bit difficult to bat. But we were able to adjust today and it is part of the game and I am happy that we ended on a winning note.

On whether he considers himself a T20 specialist

Yes, God has given me talent and so I have been able to play T20 for different teams across the world; so I am thankful to God. Also, hard work and fitness is very important while playing and I do that and keep myself fit.

On what is the key to bowling in T20s

I think variation is the key. It is a 20-over game; so the fewer runs you give in your four overs the better. I think the slower ball is my key delivery and then the yorkers and slow-ball bouncers. So, these two-three things are what I work on.

On his reverse swinging yorker

The conditions here are different. In Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh the pitches are dry and the weather is different, so you get the reverse swing there. It is a little less in England, Australia and South Africa. But yes, it is good to be able to do that. I work hard for it and practice a lot in the nets and try to make it my perfect delivery.

On the CLT20 experience

It was a very good experience and the boys worked hard and enjoyed it. It is unfortunate that we lost, but if we come next time we try to do better. It is a very good tournament and we are thankful to the BCCI that they have invited us to play in this tournament.   

We have won the last match, so we will be going back with good memories. We enjoyed it here and I hope that the rest of the matches also go well and people enjoy them as well.