More to come from me, vows Manzoor as Karachi take on Quetta

Karachi Kings opener wants to do more as side take on Quetta Gladiators

DUBAI: Karachi Kings have emerged as one of the strongest teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) under the leadership of Imad Wasim and are looking forward to winning their game against last year’s runners-up Quetta Gladiators when they clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Karachi sit comfortably in second place and can put pressure on top-placed Multan Sultans with a win.

“T20 cricket is all about getting a solid opening partnership,” said Karachi opener Khurram Manzoor while talking to The Express Tribune. “I have been assigned a certain role by the team management and even though the team is doing well and the plan has been paying off, I believe I can do much better than I am doing at the moment.”

Manzoor scored a half-century in the last game against Islamabad United but wants a lot more from himself. “I was the leading run-scorer in the last two domestic tournaments, so obviously it is disappointing to not have scored as many runs as I would have liked to,” he said.

The experienced right-hander has urged his side to regain momentum, having tasted their first defeat of PSL3 last time around against Islamabad. “This is the business end of the tournament,” he said. “Whoever gains momentum at this time will be able to go all the time since there is so little time for improvement at this stage.”

Karachi seem to be a side reformed under the captaincy of all-rounder Imad, and Khurram believes the Islamabad-born is leading from the front.

“Imad listens to everyone,” he said. “Shahid Afridi, Ravi Bopara, Joe Denly, Tymal Mills and Colin Ingram all chip in with their own piece of advice depending on the situation of the game and that teamwork is important.”

Manzoor discussed the great team spirit within the squad. “We may not have many big stars in our line-up but we are a united and spirited bunch; that much is evident from our results so far,” he said.

Karachi’s bowling line-up is being touted as the best in the tournament and Manzoor hailed the options available to the management. “There are five specialist bowlers and some quality all-rounders to choose from, so the team has a lot of different options in terms of bowling. The competition has also raised the bar in terms of quality.”

Karachi can continue their bid for top spot if they win against Quetta and Manzoor added the possibility of going top is keeping the team motivated.