Pakistan U19: Promising a bright future
Sami thinks his players are ready for top level cricket .
mamul Haq has showcased a promising emulating the feats of his uncle Inzamamul Haq. PHOTO: ICC
KARACHI:
Despite the Pakistan U19 squad missing a crucial chance of winning the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup, their overall performance has ensured the country’s future remains bright in the sport.
The team lost to South Africa in the final by six wickets after getting rolled over for 131 runs in their innings.
The Proteas made history by clinching the tournament title for the first time, making it their first in an ICC world championship in both junior and senior cricket.
Highlights of Pakistan’s performance
The team, led by a promising opening batsman from Lahore, Sami Aslam, started the 16-nation event on a losing note — going down against India by 40 runs. However, they bounced back strongly to make it to the final, defeating Sri Lanka and England on the way.
From the boys in green, a few individual performances were notable.
Imamul Haq, nephew of legendary batsman Inzamamul Haq, was outstanding throughout the event.
The left-handed opener finished as the second highest scorer of the tournament, amassing 382 runs from six matches at an average of 78. Bangladesh’s Shadman Islam with 406 runs ended on the top spot.
Karamat Ali, the 17-year old leg-spinner, was another successful player in the event, claiming 13 wickets .
‘Players progressing well’
Pakistan U19 returned from the UAE on Sunday and received a warm welcome from officials, friends and fans.
Sami was satisfied with his side’s overall performance, though he conceded that South Africa had been the better team in the final.
“South Africa bowled very well,” said the captain upon arrival at the Karachi airport. “Meanwhile, we played some bad shots that cost us.”
However, the opening batsman was optimistic about the squad’s future.
“We have been progressing very well. Pakistan A is our next step before entering the international circuit again.”
Young guns proved themselves: Azam
Owing to the security situation in the country, the junior teams has been given few chances of showcasing their talent.
According to former Test cricketer Azam Khan who is currently the team coach, the progress made by the youngsters has been encouraging despite the shortcomings.
“The boys proved their worth,” he said. “Reaching the final is an achievement in itself and the team’s performance was overall satisfactory.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2014.
Despite the Pakistan U19 squad missing a crucial chance of winning the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup, their overall performance has ensured the country’s future remains bright in the sport.
The team lost to South Africa in the final by six wickets after getting rolled over for 131 runs in their innings.
The Proteas made history by clinching the tournament title for the first time, making it their first in an ICC world championship in both junior and senior cricket.
Highlights of Pakistan’s performance
The team, led by a promising opening batsman from Lahore, Sami Aslam, started the 16-nation event on a losing note — going down against India by 40 runs. However, they bounced back strongly to make it to the final, defeating Sri Lanka and England on the way.
From the boys in green, a few individual performances were notable.
Imamul Haq, nephew of legendary batsman Inzamamul Haq, was outstanding throughout the event.
The left-handed opener finished as the second highest scorer of the tournament, amassing 382 runs from six matches at an average of 78. Bangladesh’s Shadman Islam with 406 runs ended on the top spot.
Karamat Ali, the 17-year old leg-spinner, was another successful player in the event, claiming 13 wickets .
‘Players progressing well’
Pakistan U19 returned from the UAE on Sunday and received a warm welcome from officials, friends and fans.
Sami was satisfied with his side’s overall performance, though he conceded that South Africa had been the better team in the final.
“South Africa bowled very well,” said the captain upon arrival at the Karachi airport. “Meanwhile, we played some bad shots that cost us.”
However, the opening batsman was optimistic about the squad’s future.
“We have been progressing very well. Pakistan A is our next step before entering the international circuit again.”
Young guns proved themselves: Azam
Owing to the security situation in the country, the junior teams has been given few chances of showcasing their talent.
According to former Test cricketer Azam Khan who is currently the team coach, the progress made by the youngsters has been encouraging despite the shortcomings.
“The boys proved their worth,” he said. “Reaching the final is an achievement in itself and the team’s performance was overall satisfactory.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2014.