Watch: Hassan Ali put on a show with the bat for Warwickshire, producing a fiery half-century from No.9 to help gain a potentially game-changing lead against Essex in their 2023 County Championship Division One fixture.

Hassan was undefeated on a 37-ball 53 in Warwickshire’s second-innings total of 242 all out, securing a 116-run lead. The team had been reduced to 147-5, and then 172-9, before an invaluable last-wicket stand between Hassan and Oliver-Hannon Dalby stretched their lead.

It was a boundary-filled knock from Hassan – four fours and as many sixes included – as he swung his bat freely to keep the runs going. His 53 was the second-highest score for his side after skipper Will Rhodes’ 63 from No.3.

The post-Tea charge on Day 2 saw him target the straight and leg-side boundaries. A wild slog on one knee, against Sam Cook, for a six over deep mid-wicket, typified the mood he was in. Shane Snater suffered similar treatment when another full ball was swatted down the ground, just over long-off’s head for six.

When Essex finally broke through, dismissing the No.11, Hassan remained unbeaten with a strike rate of 143.24.

His late cameos, particularly for Pakistan, have been a useful addition to their white-ball squads but he has been equally handy in first-class cricket too. He now has a century and six fifties in the format.

Watch two of Hassan’s sixes here:

We know he can bowl, but Hassan Ali can bat a bit too!

A quite ridiculous six from the @WarwickshireCCC man#LVCountyChamp pic.twitter.com/rVwntOuF8S

— LV= Insurance County Championship (@CountyChamp) May 12, 2023