Tom Moores lauded the impact of Shaheen Shah Afridi ahead of the Pakistani pacer’s final game of the 2023 Vitality Blast against Leicestershire Foxes at Trent Bridge.
A squad of 15 has been named for the fixture (2 July, 2:30pm), with a win for the Outlaws ensuring a quarter-final berth.
Afridi took four wickets in his first over against Birmingham Bears to send the Trent Bridge faithful into raptures in Notts’ penultimate game in the North Group.
Despite the visitors’ battling back to secure victory, Moores believes the events will live long in the memory of those in attendance.
“He is world class and is a box office to watch,” the wicket keeper-batter said.
“For our fans, to be able to witness him do that - it is a shame it wasn’t for a winning cause - but to see the world’s best do what he does, is special.
“He would be the quickest I’ve kept to. We have a couple here, including Olly Stone, but the pace seems so effortless.
“It is challenging for a batter because he has that snap of the wrist, and it is hard to detect his variations. He is able to drop his pace or bowl 90pmh on someone’s toes, which is really hard to face.
“He has got a presence and an aura about him. Age wise he is young, but he is still so experienced. He has played in some of the biggest games around the world.”
Moores also reflected in his own performances in the Vitality Blast having made a crucial 73 against the Bears, his second top score in T20 cricket.
This season the 26-year-old once again assumed a role as a utility batter, one which he enjoys, whilst acknowledging its challenges.
“It is the role I have, I can bat from four to six and need to adapt, to watch and take in what’s going on,” he said.
“I have done it for a while. Sometimes, it requires you to be in early and have to build an innings, other times you have to hit your first ball for six.
“It is very different and it can be difficult but I really enjoy it. Going in a bit earlier against Birmingham was something I enjoyed, it gives me an opportunity to get a score.
“I watch a lot of great finishers from around the world, and see how they go about their business. The key to doing that role is being impactful, whenever you come in.
“Sometimes you have to take it deep, others you inject pace. You have to be brave and take a risk. I enjoy that and seeing what the team needs from me at that moment in time.”
And with a win enough to make sure of a knockout fixture, Moores is keen to move on from the result on Friday, and look forward to a clash against the Foxes.
“The lads are disappointed about that result, but we can’t hold onto it for too long.” he said.
“We’ve got to come back for Leicestershire on Sunday and try to secure that quarter-final spot.
“We had our sights set on winning both games and that would have put us in a good chance of a home quarter-final, but we know in knockout cricket the better team takes the win on the day, irrespective of where it is being played. If we are at our best, we’ll be too much for most teams.”