KARACHI: Wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan on Sunday said he hoped to carry his batting form into the five-team Pakistan Cup in which he will lead defending champions Federal Areas, beginning at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, on Tuesday (tomorrow).
Federal Areas are the two-time winners of the Pakistan Cup with back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, making them the most successful team in the very brief history of the tournament.
All matches of the 50-over tournament will be played at the Pindi Stadium. The games will start at 2pm. The event will provide a final opportunity for the aspirants to press for the available places in the Pakistan team for the World Cup which will be held in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14.
Rizwan, who hit two centuries in the first four matches against Australia in the ODI series in the UAE, has high hopes from his squad. He has also vowed to make full use of his batting form. “Our target like any other side is to reach the final and win it. As an individual I want to continue my good performances in the Pakistan Cup and lead from the front,” said Rizwan, who will be available for the April 3 game as the Pakistan team returns from the UAE on April 2.
Rizwan also had a successful run in the Pakistan Cup 2018 in which he represented Punjab. The right-handed gloveman scored 294 runs in four innings, a tally that included scores of 140 and 124 not out.
Interestingly, Rizwan’s 140 was against his new side Federal Areas in a losing cause while his 124 not out helped Punjab achieve a 366-run target against Balochistan.
Besides Rizwan, Federal Areas possess some quality performers with the bat in Ahmed Shehzad and Sohaib Maqsood. Rizwan hopes the duo will deliver the goods. “We have Ahmad Shehzad and Sohaib Maqsood as our main batters. Both have plenty of experience. We also have other talented and experienced batsmen in Israrullah, Khurram Shahzad and Ramiz Raja Jr,” Rizwan added. Rawalpindi-born right-handed batsman Nihal Mansoor is another one to watch out for in the Federal Areas’ line-up. In 15 List A games the 25-year-old has scored 655 runs at an average of 50.38, including an unbeaten 133 not out for PTV against WAPDA during the Quaid-e-Azam One-Day Cup last October.
Federal Areas bowling is spearheaded by Pakistan internationals Rumman Raees and Waqas Maqsood. The latter was the leading wicket-taker in the Pakistan Cup 2018 with 14 wickets, including six for 63 against Balochistan.
“If you look at our bowling, we have the talented and capable duo of Waqas Maqsood and Rumman Raees while Mohammad Nawaz (left-arm spinner) is also there to support the pacers,” said Rizwan.
Federal Areas: Mohammad Rizwan (WK, captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Afridi, Bilal Asif, Israrullah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Nawaz, Nihal Mansoor, Ramiz Raja Jr, Rumman Raees, Sameen Gul, Saud Shakil, Sohaib Maqsood, Waqas Maqsood, Zia-ul-Haq.