He idolises >Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a cricketer and Pakistani wicketkeeper batsman >Sarfraz Ahmed today said he would love to play the role of a finisher like the celebrated Indian skipper.
“I follow him a lot. The way he’s making a difference with wicketkeeping and batting, I try to learn a lot from him. He’s a very good cricketer for India, and I idolise him. Hope I too will be able to finish the match like him,” Sarfraz said in an Open Media Session.
Having impressed both with the bat and as a wicketkeeper, Sarfraz wants to be an utility player like the star Indian skipper.
“It’s great to be here. About my batting order, I play according to my team’s need, be it up or lower down the order. I’ve been doing well,” said the Pakistani U-19 World Cup winning skipper.
However, Sarfraz rued their forgettable outing at Asia Cup but said they’ve plugged the loopholes and hoped to make an impact in the World Twenty20.
“The condition was difficult in Bangladesh. Every team faced the situation in initial six overs. We have sorted this out. The condition will be similar to Pakistan here. Hope we will do well here,” he said.
Pakistan begin their main tournament campaign against group A qualifiers (Bangladesh or Oman) on March 16.
Pakistani legendary duo of Imran Khan and Wasim Akram would be here and give the team a pep—talk ahead of their World Twenty20 campaign and Pakistani speedster >Wahab Riaz said it would give the side a boost.
“I’m getting goose bumps hearing this. Imran has won the World Cup and Wasim Akram what a legendary bowler he was. They’re legends it will really help us.”
Asked about his breathtaking spell against Shane Watson in retaliation to the Aussies sledges during the 2015 World Cup quarterfinals, Riaz said that was of different intensity.
“It was in a do or die game. We had to take our chances and the wickets in Australia was supportive. The best thing for a pacer is rhythm should be going. Being in a knockout, it was fearless from our perspective and some words were exchanged. We did really well on that,” he said about his 6-0-24-2 spell even though they lost the match by six wickets defending a paltry 214.
He was also in the team when they tried to defend a paltry 85 during the Asia Cup against India.
“I tried to take my chances but it’s never easy to defend 84 in a T20 game. The intent will be there. My attitude and aggression will be there and we have to bowl according to situation. We will try my best to win the game for Pakistan,” Riaz said.
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