Sharjeel eyes better performances for Pakistan

Opener satisfied with his first international experience in the UAE last month.

KARACHI: Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan returned with a mixed bag of performances after starting his international career in the UAE last month.

Although his batting show in the limited overs series against Sri Lanka was not outstanding, the left-handed batsman raised hopes of filling the opener’s slot for a longer period.

Sharjeel, who replaced struggling Nasir Jamshed for the home series, played three Twenty20s and scored 102, including a 50-run knock. In addition, the 24-year old made 101 runs from five One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with an innings of 61 runs being his highest score.

Pundits saw a potential batsman in him, but at the same time they spoke of technical flaws in the southpaw’s batting.

However, Sharjeel on the other hand is satisfied with his performance and the only thing he believes he is short of is international experience.

“I don’t feel I have any technical issues,” the opener told The Express Tribune.

“I was comfortable in my batting and it was just the excitement of playing international cricket that caused me to commit mistakes.

“With more experience, I will overcome this problem. I am very much confident that my performance will improve in the next assignment.”

On starting his international career, the Hyderabad-born cricketer said that words could not express his feelings about representing Pakistan in the international circuit.

“It was a dream come true. I cannot express my happiness in words. The support I received from the team management and senior players added to the joy of playing for the side.

“I have gained a lot of confidence from my first series and that will definitely help me in achieving the task of solidifying my place as an opener.”

‘Making records for Pakistan an ultimate dream’

Inspired by legendary Saeed Anwar, Sharjeel had shown the potential of playing long innings in domestic cricket with his 194-run knock in the recent President’s Cup One Day Tournament.

“Making different records for Pakistan is my dream,” he said. “I want to play long innings and the fastest knocks. I believe I am capable of doing that.”

The opener, who immediately joined his domestic team Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) after returning from the UAE, added that he will continue to play domestic cricket to keep himself ready for the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20.

Sohaib on a mission to remove flaws

Sohaib Maqsood, another impressive addition to the team’s batting line-up, is also focusing on bringing improvement to his form.

“I’ll be working on the flaws of my batting by playing domestic cricket,” said the middle-order batsman.

The 26-year old added that he will give his best to fulfill the hopes of fans.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2014.

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