AZIM TON TURNS UP HEAT IN TITLE RACE

Azim Kazi believes experience, patience and a love of pressure can help Donemana turn an unexpected title opportunity into something special over the closing weeks of the North West Premiership season.

The 32-year-old left-hander dragged the Tyrone club firmly into contention at the weekend with his maiden century for Donemana, a superb 115 from 80 balls in the emphatic victory over Fox Lodge.

That success lifted Donemana into third place, tucked in behind leaders Newbuildings and second-placed Fox Lodge, and transformed the shape of the championship race.

For Kazi, however, the immediate emotion was more personal.

“Honestly, I am really, really happy to score my first hundred for Donemana,” he said. “It was a challenging wicket and there was something there for the bowlers, but I enjoyed the situation because I love cricket and I love challenges.”

Kazi arrived with Donemana still building their innings and proceeded to dominate, striking 10 fours and nine sixes. His power changed the momentum of the contest, but the innings was founded on the calm of a player who has spent years operating in professional cricket.

The experienced Maharashtra all-rounder has played more than 140 professional matches and leaned heavily on that background when the pressure began to rise.

“I have been in this situation many, many times before,” he said. “That is why I trust my experience and believe in myself. There was no pressure on me.

“My focus was simple. I wanted to stay patient, build the innings, help the team and win the game.”

That straightforward approach could yet prove decisive for Donemana. They have surged into the title slipstream at precisely the right time, with Newbuildings still setting the pace but both Fox Lodge and Donemana close enough to punish any mistake.

Kazi, though, is refusing to look too far ahead.

“We are not thinking too much about winning the title,” he said. “Personally, I believe that if we play good cricket and it is our day, then we will win the game.

“I am just thinking about one game at a time. Every match is important, so we have to keep our focus and keep giving our best in every game.”

That measured outlook reflects both his experience and the role he now occupies within the Donemana dressing room.

Life at The Holm has quickly become comfortable for the overseas professional, who has been impressed by the warmth shown to him since arriving.

“Honestly, life at Donemana has been great,” he said. “Everyone at the club made me feel welcome from day one.

“The lads are very funny, very humble and very helpful. I am really enjoying my cricket here.”

The century against Fox Lodge was the clearest sign yet of what Kazi can bring with the bat, but his value extends beyond one match-winning innings. As an all-rounder with extensive professional experience, he offers Donemana control, versatility and composure at a time when margins are becoming increasingly narrow.

He also knows individual performances will matter only if they contribute to the wider cause.

“I hope to keep contributing with both bat and ball and help the team achieve something special this season,” he said.

“I am just trying to give my best, both on the field and off the field.”

With the title race suddenly alive and Donemana gathering momentum, Kazi may have arrived at his most important moment of the summer.