Khurram eyes return after impressive show

Discarded batsman shines at ongoing Ramazan T20 Cup.

KARACHI: Discarded batsman Khurram Manzoor is aiming for a comeback to the national side after an impressive show at the ongoing Advance Telecom Ramazan T20 Cup.

His performance, which comes after his fine showing at the President’s One-Day Cup where he scored 349 in four matches at 87.25, has seen him total 138 runs in three matches, including a match-winning knock of 85 not out.

His unbeaten innings helped PQA beat KRL by 19 runs in their Group B match as the team continued its unbeaten run after three matches at the Ramazan T20 Cup.

Batting first, PQA amassed 170 for two in their 20 overs courtesy a 153-run third-wicket stand between Khurram, who made a 60-ball 85, and Kamran Younis (70) after they were reduced to 17 for two.

Rahat Ali and Nauman Ali took one wicket each.

In reply, KRL were restricted to 151 for six despite Mohammad Yasin’s brave 80-run innings which included two sixes and 10 boundaries. Mohammad Talha took three wickets while Khurram, Tabish Nawab and Azam Hussain got one scalp each.

“I’ve performed consistently throughout the season which is why there is an air of optimism that I’ll be able to stage a national comeback,” Khurram told The Express Tribune. “I’m close to 2,000 runs this domestic season and this has given me the confidence that the selectors would give me an opportunity to don the national colours again.”

Khurram has scored 236 from seven One-Day Internationals at 33.71 with three half-centuries to his credit and last played a 50-over game in January 2009.

“I’ve scored at the international level but I don’t want to dwell on the past. I’ve worked on my technique with Rashid Latif and hopefully, I’ll be back as a stronger player.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 19^th, 2013.

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