BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali delivered a career-defining spell for Birmingham Bears, taking his maiden T20 hat-trick and recording best-ever figures for the franchise with 6 for 23, dismantling Derbyshire Falcons at Edgbaston on Sunday.
Historic Hat-Trick Ignites Edgbaston
Playing only his second match of the 2025 T20 Blast, Hasan ripped through Derbyshire’s middle and lower order with pinpoint yorkers and aggressive pace. His hat-trick — the fifth in Birmingham Bears history — electrified the crowd and propelled his side to a resounding 58-run win.
Celebrations for the Fans
Known for his high-octane celebrations, Hasan credited the fans for his energy. “We play for the crowd. Cricket is entertainment, and celebrations are part of it,” he said. After his third wicket, he sprinted across the field with arms wide open, soaking in the moment.
The Plan Behind the Hat-Trick
Revealing the strategy behind his hat-trick, Hasan said, “I spoke with Tom Latham after my second wicket. We saw the batsman deep on the leg side and decided to go for the yorker — and it worked.” He dismissed three in quick succession: Alex Thomson, Ross Whiteley, and Ben Aitchison.
Fitness and Focus the Key
Having arrived in England just days earlier after back-to-back tournaments, Hasan emphasized discipline as the secret to staying fresh. “As a professional, if you eat, sleep, and train well, your body adapts. This lifestyle is demanding, but we’re built for it.”
Eyes on the Knockouts
With back-to-back wins, Birmingham Bears are regaining momentum. “We’re building towards the knockout stage now,” said Hasan, who is set to face his former Karachi Kings coach Ravi Bopara in the next fixture.