The Hindu : Kaif shows his class

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 13, 2003

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Kaif shows his class

London June 12. India's stylish batsman Mohammad Kaif, playing only his second county match, smashed an 85-ball 81 to anchor Derbyshire to a 137-run victory over fancied Surrey at Derby on Wednesday.

Playing an innings of sublime placement, 22-year-old Kaif stole the show and the man-of-the-match award as he put Derbyshire on course for a winning total of 271 in 50 overs.

In reply, Surrey, which fielded nine internationals despite leaving out Alec Stewart and Mark Butcher, was shot out for 134 in 33.4 overs with Graeme Welch capturing four wickets. This was Surrey's first defeat in 21 matches since August 2002.

Kaif, who rose to stardom last summer when he helped India to a stunning win at Lord's in the final of the NatWest Series, played yet another impressive innings.

On a sluggish pitch he reached his fifty in 68 balls, then accelerated in style against a wayward Surrey attack missing the injured Martin Bicknessl and Alex Tudor.

His seven boundaries were beautifully executed, especially the drives through extra cover.

Only Saqlain Mushtaq, with his intelligent off spin, escaped punishment and by the time Kaif swung Adam Hollioake to deep square leg, he had already done his job for his team.

Praising Kaif's brilliant knock, The Times today said ``Kaif is a shrewd acquisition, both because of his class and character and because, at 22, he is just the age to give the maximum for a county side.

``He played much as Rahul Dravid, his mentor, might have done — wristy, elegant, technically orthodox and always beautifully balanced.'' — PTI

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