The national selection committee, led by Moin Khan, is seriously considering Azhar along with the option of Kamran Akmal, as his temperament is deemed valuable on the quick and bouncy pitches.
The 29-year-old last represented Pakistan in the 50-over format back in January 2013 against India in Kolkata, and so far, he has scored 452 runs from 14 ODIs at an average of 41.09, while his strike rate has been on the slower side at 64.84.
“Azhar is now a serious contender for the third opener position,” a selection committee member told The Express Tribune.
“He has good technique and his temperament will be beneficial in the more bowling-friendly conditions of the World Cup. We need a player who can bat well against the new balls and make sure that the middle order isn’t exposed regularly against the new ball.”
It should be mentioned here that Azhar also opened the innings against Australia in the second Test when Muhammad Hafeez was injured back in October.
The official further added that Azhar’s case has gained strength because he can bowl decent leg-spin, and a player who can perform with both bat and ball is always preferable.
“He provides us with the option of bowling as well, while he is also a tremendous fielder in close catching positions too. Selectors gave opportunities to both Sharjeel Khan and Nasir Jamshed, but they have failed to cement their places. So now it’s a call between Azhar and Kamran.”
Meanwhile, Kamran’s played in Australia and has an ODI hundred from his spell there while overall, he has hit five centuries in 154 ODIs, scoring 3,168 runs at an average of 26.18. However, he has been out of the one-day side for more than 18 months.
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