Malik, who scored 472 runs in just four matches, will be unable to play for his team Sialkot in the important finale against Blues due to his call-up for the tour of South Africa. PHOTO: AFP
Karachi Blues are eager to add another feather in its cap by winning the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy as they take on Sialkot in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final today at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
There has been constant rain in Lahore that may delay the start of the match.
Karachi has enjoyed an unparalleled record when it comes to winning the first-class events – Quaid-e-Azam or Patron’s Trophy – and they have two dozen crowns in their cabinet.
The Blues have enjoyed a superb run to the final, being undefeated in all their nine matches winning six of them while Sialkot had came through on an uneven run. Sialkot had won just a single match out of their six matches in the initial phase while they registered a single victory in the Super-Eight against final rivals Rawalpindi in group B.
Former coach Azam Khan said he is confident that his charges can win another title for Karachi as the team combination throughout the event has been ideal.
“It’s been a great campaign until now and I’m sure my players can win the title,” Khan told The Express Tribune. “The selection by Rashid Latif was fantastic as he gave us a very balanced squad. What’s heartening to see is the young players performing better as compared to big names. Akbarur Rehman, Fakhar Zaman and Tabish Khan have been fantastic.”
Khan stressed that the presence of seniors Khurram Manzoor, Anwar Ali and Tariq Haroon had helped as they chipped in with useful contributions when needed.
“It’s a big game for us and I’m confident that Khurram and Anwar will rise to the occasion. The main threat for us will be Bilawal Bhatti who can generate serious pace and bounce. It’s also an important game for Akbar because he is a top all-rounder who can add value to the Pakistan team and thus people will be keeping a close eye on him.”
For Blues, Akbar has been prolific with the bat, scoring 798 runs besides taking 19 wickets. Fakhar Zaman has made 581 runs, while Khurram Manzoor (472) and Muhammad Waqas (324) have also been consistent. In the bowling department, Tabish Khan (34), Azam Hussain (27), Tariq Haroon (20) and Anwar Ali (17) lead the pack.
Sialkot to go without Malik
Sialkot will be without their talisman Shoaib Malik, who is bound to travel to South Africa for national duty. Mansoor Amjad is set to lead the side in his absence.
It will be a huge loss for the team, but the presence of Test players like Ayub Doggar, Amjad, Hafiz Majid and Bhatti is a consolation.
Majid is the top-scorer with 588 runs followed by Malik (472), Ayub (457), Faisal Khan (366) and Zeeshan Mushtaq (306). While their bowling has left much to be desired, their trump card in the match will be Bhatti.
“My season was marred by an injury but I’m fired up to guide my team to victory in the final,” said Bhatti. “Malik is a big loss and I aim to be the match winner for my team.”
Karachi Blues: Akbarur Rehman
The 29-year-old has been a late bloomer and has caught attention with his splendid all-round abilities as he can bat, bowl leg-spin or medium-fast and is an athletic fielder which makes him a complete package. Akbar has been prolific with the bat, scoring 798 runs besides taking 19 wickets.
Sialkot: Bilawal Bhatti
The diminutive fast-bowler has been touted as the next Malcolm Marshall by some former players as he can generate serious pace and bounce. He has taken 204 wickets in 45 first-class matches with an impressive average of 22.13.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2013.
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