I was determined to prove myself, says Haris Sohail

Abu Dhabi - Pakistani cricketer has risen like a phoenix and silenced his critics

Haris Sohail was written off with premature obituaries about his cricketing career but the man from Sialkot has risen like a phoenix and silenced his critics.
He scored a game-changing 76 runs from 161 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes, and returned to take the wicket of opener Kaushal Silva on the Day 4 of the Test match against Sri Lanka at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
"I can say this is my best day of cricketing life," Sohail said during a post-match press conference.
Sohail had been battling injuries for a long time and said it was his struggle for two years that has helped him became a determined player. "Even as I struggled, I had just one goal and that was to make a comeback. And Alhamdulillah I have succeeded. I have done a lot of hard work. I worked with physios here and in England and all of this helped. This was my dream to become a Test cricketer and it's finally fulfilled," the 28-year-old said.
On his cricketing actions after returning from injury, he said: "I had good outings in the Pakistan Super League and Grade-II cricket. I scored centuries in a couple of matches."
There were questions raised about his selection but the knock and the manner in which he carried his innings will surely put an end to all silent whisperers. "I was under pressure. This is my comeback and debut," Sohail said and added that he had got good support from seniors and management.
Sohail said he enjoyed playing in Abu Dhabi. "I have played here before and it isn't that difficult. First session is very important on the final day. They (Sri Lanka) are under pressure. We will try to bundle them out in the first session and get a result."
And Sohail will be among the bowlers creating problems for Sri Lanka.
"Yes, I will continue my focus on bowling and am working extra with my coaches."
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath noted that Sohail has shown a lot of 'character and maturity' for a debutant.
Herath, who snared his 32nd five-wicket haul and seventh against Pakistan, said it will be an 'interesting' final day of play.
"Suddenly we lost a few wickets. It will be an interesting game tomorrow (Monday)," he said hoping to put Pakistan in a similar situation.
And interestingly, 10 wickets fell on the Day 4.
The spinner, however, noted it is a difficult wicket for spinners.
"Until the fourth day, only 24 wickets have fallen in the Test match and it is not easy to pick up five wickets in an innings. As far as I concerned, I am very pleased with the way I bowled."
Looking ahead, Herath said: "The ultimate goal now is to score as much as possible. We need to bat the first hour and go on till lunch. And then we can, hopefully, have sort of a plan."
Herath said on the last day Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella and Dilruwan Perera will have to take the responsibility. "Hopefully, we can all get together and put up a good score."
And before that the man, who has taken most of his wickets against Pakistan, will look to add a few more. An exciting day of play in store on Monday.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com