Hasan Ali hails belief as Pakistan end 11-match losing streak against England

Hasan Ali insists Pakistan never lost self-belief after they ended a long losing streak in dramatic fashion against England.

Pakistan lined up against the World Cup favourites having lost their last 11 completed one-day internationals, including a 4-0 hammering in the recent series between the sides.

Being skittled for 105 in their tournament opener against the West Indies appeared to set them up as canon fodder for the England attack at Trent Bridge but instead they penned a wonderful story of resurgence.

Batting first they piled on 348 for eight and then showed imagination and guile to withstand twin centuries from Joe Root and Jos Butter.

Speaking after a dramatic 14-run win, Hasan said: “We were very disappointed we lost 11 games in a row but one thing is very important, we believed in ourselves.

“We needed just a little bit of kick and then we will click. We got that kick. We needed the win because we are playing at the World Cup. The World Cup is a different game, you have a lot of pressure.

“After the first match, we sat down and talked about our weakness and about our plans and execution, all these things.

“But one thing is very important, which is our coach (Mickey Arthur) is always backing us. That moment turned us as everyone was confident.”

England might have home advantage at the tournament but at times it was hard to tell, with the stands full of Pakistan support which made itself heard.

“We feel like we are playing at home,” he said.

“Since I came here in 2016 to this 2019 World Cup, it feels like our home because there is a lot of Pakistani community who always come and support us.

“We appreciate it, especially when we cannot play too many games in Pakistan.”