Lahore
As many as 12 Pakistan players are in line to play their first one day international in the country with the commencement of the three-match series against Sri Lanka tomorrow, Friday.
Top-level 50-over cricket would mark its return in Pakistan after a gap of four years when the first ball would be bowled at the National Stadium in Karachi at 3pm local time. The Pakistan players, namely Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Usman Shinwari are eager to jump on the opportunity and leave a mark in what promises to be a historic tour.
Fakhar Zaman, who has 1,828 runs ODI runs at an average of 45.70, said on the eve of the match.
”It is very disappointing to play ‘home’ matches in other countries. It is always a privilege for us to play cricket in front of our home crowd so we all are ecstatic to have this opportunity”.
“The players have set personal goals and look forward to perform to the best of their abilities to ensure that they entertain the cricket-loving nation. Playing my first ODI match at the home venue is like making an international debut. I have set a target to score either the fastest century or half-century in the series”, he added.
Shadab Khan, who has the experience of 41 ODI matches, which garnered him 56 wickets and 337 runs with the bat, said: “The ODI series against Sri Lanka will be my first 50-over series at home, and I am hopeful that the Test cricket will also resume in the country soon”.
“The T20 series against Windies was jam-packed and I am looking forward to the see public turning up in large numbers to witness exciting games. Each player is excited to give his best on the home ground”,he said adding “I love to bowl alongside Imad and look forward to bowling with him in Karachi. Our roles are identified and we go out there to get our opponents with our spin variations”. —APP
