Pakistan A looking to make the most of Kenya series

The two teams will play their first one-day match today in Lahore.

KARACHI:

Pakistan A coach Mansoor Rana believes that the one-day series against Kenya, starting today, is an excellent opportunity for the youngsters to make an impression and demonstrate their skills on a bigger stage. 

“A second-string team is always important because it lays the foundation for youngsters to progress into international cricket,” said Rana while speaking to reporters in Lahore.

“Series for the ‘A’ side resumed recently when they played warm-up matches against Australia and New Zealand and then played a series with the UAE.



“The development phase has resumed and all the credit goes to the Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB] for believing that such matches and tours matter.”

Rana, who was the Pakistan U19 coach in 2006 when the country won the junior World Cup, added that everyone is thankful to Kenya for agreeing to the tour.

“We acknowledge the Kenyan team who have come here and opened the doors of international cricket for us again. We won’t take them lightly in this series because they are an international side and our players need to play as if they are playing a full-fledged ODI.”

Regarding the composition of the team and the players who can make an impact in the rubber, Rana explained that the batting will be led by the likes of skipper Fawad Alam and Sharjeel Khan who have international experience, while youngster Babar Azam’s recent form will also be beneficial.

He further added that the team will profit from having good all-rounders in Anwar Ali and Hammad Azam, while spinners Raza Hassan and leg-spinner Shahzeb Ahmed Khan will strengthen their bowling attack.

There have been rumours that banned spinner Saeed Ajmal might be asked to play in the series, to which Rana said: “Ajmal’s matter is with the PCB’s illegal bowling action committee and if they and the PCB give the go-ahead, then we’ll welcome Ajmal to the side. Everybody wants to see him bowl with his new modified action.”

Meanwhile, Kenya coach Steve Tikolo said his players had undergone light training prior to the start of the five-match 45-over series and were trying to acclimatise to the conditions in Lahore.

“The facilities here are brilliant and in the last few days we’ve tried to get accustomed to Lahore. The boys have had a look at the pitch and we’re looking forward to the first match,” said Tikolo.

“Our boys are ready for tomorrow’s game as they’re over their jet lag.

“You cannot say who is a favourite to win, but for me, I want the players to play competitive cricket and give their best,” he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th,  2014.

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