Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net from Karachi, KRL opening batsman Azhar Ali feels he is ready to take on the responsibility of opening the batting for Pakistan. "I feel I am due a chance and am confident that I can do a good job at the top of the order for my country" stated the 24 year old right hander.

10th October 2009

by Saj Sadiq

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net from Karachi, KRL opening batsman Azhar Ali feels he is ready to take on the responsibility of opening the batting for Pakistan.

"I feel I am due a chance and am confident that I can do a good job at the top of the order for my country" stated the 24 year old right hander.

"Representatives of the selection committee were present today at the National stadium and they saw me score a chanceless century on a wicket that certaily was not easy especially in the first couple of hours. Although the wicket eased in the afternoon and final sessions, it was not the easiest wicket to bat on and I hope that the selectors were impressed with what they saw. I'm really pleased that I've scored a century on the opening day of the season and hope that I can build on this innings" stated Azhar.

Azhar who was an integral part of the Pakistan "A" squads in both Sri Lanka and Australia earlier this year stated that his method and mindset were simple but effective. "My plan when I go out to bat is to play within my limitations, keep things simple and bat according to my strengths and not to try anything that I am not comfortable with. I keep saying to myself when I am batting, to make sure that I stay at the crease, keep my focus and not to do anything silly out there".

Azhar who joined KRL initially as a leg spinner and lower order batman further stated "It certainly helped that I was selected for the "A" tours of Sri Lanka and Australia and came up against a number of current and former internationals in varied conditions. That experience really boosted my confidence and I learnt so much from playing in Sri Lanka and Australia for the Pakistan "A" team".

Azhar scored 108 today as KRL dominated day one against PIA at the National Stadium and closed on 262 for 3, with skipper Mohammad Wasim on 84 not out. Azhar when asked about who his role models and who he goes to for advice added "Mohammad Wasim is someone who I really look up to and he is great to have as a skipper. Wasim is always helping me with my batting and always offering me advice and guidance on how I can further improve and what I need to work on".

"Its a busy schedule for Pakistan in the coming months and I pray that the selectors give me an opportunity to show what I can do. I'm targetting one of the opening spots and I hope that I can keep doing well for KRL and keep catching the eye of the selectors". stated Azhar.