Former Pakistani asylum seeker Fawad Ahmed has shown a glimpse of his talent as a leg-spinner and is close to bowling Victoria to a crucial outright victory over Queensland in the Sheffield Shield match at the MCG.
Ahmed, 33, has four important wickets as the Queenslanders struggle to stave off defeat on the final day. Bowling brilliantly on a turning fourth-day track, he has 4-80 from 29 overs.
The Bulls went to tea on Thursday at 7-221, just seven runs ahead with three wickets in hand. It is not clear whether injured fast bowler Matthew Gale will be available to bat.
Victoria will be clear at the top of the Shield table, with two matches remaining, if they can win. Their remaining matches are against Tasmania in Hobart and New South Wales in Melbourne.
Queensland will slump from top position to third after South Australia’s win over New South Wales on Thursday.
Ahmed emigrated to Australia in 2010 and immediately applied for asylum-seeker status, arguing he had been persecuted by extremists for promoting western ideas where he lived, in northern Pakistan. He had previously played 10 first class matches in Pakistan.
He won the Ryder Medal for best player in the Melbourne grade competition last season playing with the University club.
Keen observers believe that he could play for Australia when he is eligible. Having been granted permanent residence in January, he must either wait until he becomes a citizen or fulfils International Cricket Council requirements to be available for selection.