Lahore Qalandars’ hero Ben Dunk reveals why he chews gum on field

Lahore Qalandars batsman Ben Dunk has expressed surprise that his act of chewing bubble gum on the pitch has sparked wild speculation on the social media.

Fans had gone into a frenzy on Sunday as Dunk smashed 12 sixes in an unbeaten 99 off 40 balls that helped Qalandars beat Karachi Kings by eight wickets at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 

The Australian walked in when the score was 50-2 in the 9th over with the Qalandars chasing 188 and staring at another defeat. He hit 12 sixes, improving his own Pakistan Super League record of most sixes hit in an innings. 

His partner, skipper Sohail Akhtar who opened the innings contributed with an unbeaten 46-ball 68. 

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'Nothing special in chewing gum'

Speaking to the media after the match, Dunk said that he chewed gum on the pitch because it helped him focus on the task. "There is nothing special in the gum, I chew it to remain focused on the task," he said. 

"Chewing gum is perhaps not such a good habit and I should not be doing it. It is being highlighted more in the videos. But I only do it to stay clam and focused on my task in the game," Dunk remarked. 

Commenting on missing out on a century, Dunk noted that this was the second time in three months that this had happened. "But it does not matter, what matters is that the team won," he said. 

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"I have to play the role in the batting lineup that is assigned to my by the team management. I always try and play according to the need of the team. The batting number does not matter, I always give my best."

Dunk also praised the fans in Lahore for backing the team, saying that the crowd during the game is the 12th player for the Qalandars, urging fans to keep backing the team through wins and losses.