Sports

Hammad guides Pakistan ‘A’ to first win in Sri Lanka

An allround effort by Hammad Azam guided Pakistan ‘A’ to a three-wicket win over hosts Sri Lanka.

Express August 27, 2010

An allround effort by Hammad Azam, Pakistan’s Under-19 World Cup star from earlier this year, guided Pakistan ‘A’ to a three-wicket win over hosts Sri Lanka in the second match of the tri-series in Colombo.

Having lost the tournament-opener to South Africa ‘A’ by six wickets, Pakistan slumped to 55 for three while chasing 225 to register their first points in the series. However, a 78-run partnership between Aamer Sajjad (39) and Sheharyar Ghani (36) followed by the Azam blitz ensured Pakistan crossed the finish line in the penultimate over of the match.

Azam blasted five fours and two sixes in his 54-ball 63 and shared an unbroken 60-run eight-wicket partnership with Mohammad Talha in which the latter contributed just 17. Thillina Kandamby remained the hosts’ best bowler with three wickets while Ajantha Mendis remained wicketless off his seven overs.

Earlier, the hosts got off to a positive start after being put in by Azeem Ghumman. However, following a 62-run opening partnership, Azam played a role in dismissing both openers as he first got rid off Dimuth Karunaratne - caught by Talha - and then inflicted a runout of Mahela Udawatte 17 runs later.

With none of the middle order playing a long innings, it was left to Kandamby to lift Sri Lanka to a respectable total with the right-arm leg-spinner Yasir Shah picking up three quick wickets to jolt the hosts’ progress.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2010.

COMMENTS (2)

Saleem Siddiqi | 14 years ago | Reply Hammad was selected by BCCP for the Senior Team in the last tour only to server lemon drinks and was 12th man. This is an insult to such a budding player. Now it is time that we may get rid of "SENIOR PLAYERS" who are only for name sake and prove as lame duck to face opponents just to add more pressure on the team. Hammad should have been included in the ODI and T20 series being held in England. We were hope for his inclusion but BCCP has its own Agenda and is still trying those who were miserably time and again failed in the past, and are not hoped to perform well this time too. Another player neglaction for this mini series is Imran Nazeer. BUTT should have been dropped because of his poor test performance and Imran Nazeer should also be given a chance for this competition. Hope BCCP will come out from selecting team on political pressure and choose only who are really deserving. Regards Dr. Saleem Siddiqi Qatar.

aadi khan | 14 years ago | Reply Its plesure for us that Hammad Azam is a hero of pakistan cricket under 19. I want that this person played for pakistan A team