Pakistan Cup an opportunity to impress selectors: Anwar Ali

All-rounder wants to cement place in Pakistan squad for upcoming ICC Champions Trophy

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan all-rounder Anwar Ali believes the ongoing Pakistan Cup is an opportunity for players like him to impress the selectors for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Anwar, who is representing Sindh in the ongoing 50-over tournament, said he intends to grab the opportunity with both hands.

“As a professional player, a tournament like the Pakistan Cup is a real opportunity to impress selectors,” said Anwar while talking to The Express Tribune. “These matches are telecasted live on TV, and then there are selectors who are watching as well. Now it is up to players, like us, to grab this opportunity with both hands.”

Anwar, who has represented Pakistan in 22 ODIs and 16 T20Is, further praised the playing surface of the Rawalpindi stadium, and said that the pitch provided a lot of assistance to pacers.

“Yes these pitches are difficult for batsmen, but really good for pacers,” he said. “If you put your effort in and bowl in the right areas, you will be able to do good on these tracks. Even though there have been scores of over 300 quite consistently, but in just four matches, two pacers have claimed five wickets in an innings.”

Meanwhile another Sindh player, left-handed batsman Fawad Alam also praised the efforts of the ground staff for creating high-scoring pitches.

“I think pitches played a big part in this high-scoring tournament,” said Fawad. “Another important reason for these high scores is because these are day-night matches.

“If these were day matches, teams would’ve faced serious issues due to overnight moisture while batting first.”