National One-Day Cup: Zebras aim to outstrip opponents in 50-over event

Karachi-based team upbeat as domestic One-Day Cup kicks off today.

KARACHI: After clinching the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Karachi Blues – styled Karachi Zebras for this event – are aiming to win the Faysal Bank One-Day Tournament, which explodes into action today.

They had enjoyed an outstanding first-class event as the undefeated side went on to clinch the title when they thrashed Sialkot by nine wickets.

Zebras coach Azam Khan said that morale in the camp was high and the players are geared up to do well in the tournament.

“The team is all set to add the One-Day cup to their collection,” Khan told The Express Tribune. “However, the players are still trying to recover from fatigue and niggles, which they sustained over the long period of playing the President’s Trophy and Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. We got less time to recover as compared to other sides so it is a tricky situation for us.”

Khan added that he has spoken to his charges about the shorter form of the game and has emphasised on trying to improve their play.

“One-Day matches are a different ball game so we definitely need to improve our game and think quickly about all situations. So I’m trying to talk to the boys to prepare them for this format mentally.”

The official hoped that the likes of Akbarur Rehman, Fakhar Zaman and Khurram Manzoor – who all enjoyed a decent first-class tournament – will do well in this event with the bowlers providing ample support.



Zebras are pitted in a tough group and would have to do well in pool B against Lahore Lions, Rawalpindi Rams, Faisalabad Wolves, Islamabad Leopards, Peshawar Panthers and Abbottabad Falcons. Meanwhile, group A includes Karachi Dolphins, Lahore Eagles, Sialkot Stallions, Hyderabad Hawks, Multan Tigers, Quetta Bears and Bahawalpur Stags.

‘Rawalpindi have outside chance of winning’

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi coach Sabih Azhar, who has turned Rawalpindi into genuine title-contenders over the last three years, said he has a good team at his disposal that could give a tough time to any side on their day if they play well.

“We’ve got pretty good players in Awais Zia, Hammad Azam and promising youngsters Umar Waheed and Mohammad Nawaz,” said Azhar. “Umar Amin has returned after international duty so he is certainly a big boost for us. We have a good team which can fight for titles and will prove to be one of the strongest teams in coming years.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2013.