Umar eyes more success in Sri Lanka

LAHORE: Pakistan’s promising middle-order batsman Umar Akmal is eyeing another successful tour of Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup after scoring a half-century and century during the series against the hosts last year.

Akmal was selected for the One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka last year and after missing out on the first ODI, he replaced Mohammad Yousuf and scored his maiden fifty followed by a century in the next match.

“I really enjoyed that innings, it helped me overcome the pressure that comes with international cricket,” Akmal told The Express Tribune.

“I’ll never forge the maiden century but now I feel more confident after spending a year in international cricket and hoping for more big innings.”

Akmal, often criticised for his rash stroke-play resulting in his downfall, admitted that he has learnt how to adapt to conditions.

“I always try to be aggressive and score off every ball. However, I’ve realised the importance of playing according to conditions and adapting to the team’s requirements.”

Published in the Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2010.