Rohail eyes Junior WC

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan youth linchpin Rohail Nazir eyes to take his form to Junior World Cup saying Asia Emerging Cup triumph will go a long way in boosting his morale for the mega event.

Rohail, who along with Emerging team players returned Monday after anchoring Pakistan to a convincing win against host Bangladesh in the final, said he was happy his century helped country win the title.

“It is always encouraging and heartening to see your personal performance contributing to team’s success. I always play for the team and the moment I feel I have contributed to the team cause, I really feel ecstatic,” Rohail said on his return from Bangladesh.

Man of the final at the Emerging Cup, Rohail said he always loved to bat at No 3 position. “When I was asked to bat at No 3, I was really happy. We lost two quick wickets in the final and together with Imran Rafiq we put on 117 for the third wicket to give fresh impetus to the Pakistan innings. When I ultimately got out at 243 we were well placed to get a score of anything around 300,” the wicketkeeper batsman who scored a title winning 113 in final said.

Rohail hoped that his century in the final would go a long way in strengthen his confidence for the Junior World Cup to be held in South Africa. “Along with Haider Ali and Naseem Shah we now have to take responsibility to lead our mates in the World Cup. We three have played senior cricket along with junior. The onus is now on us to guide and help other teammates for improved and much better performance in the junior World Cup. We have to take responsibility and I am ready for that.”

Rohail who along Haider Ali leaves Islamabad Thursday to join junior training camp in Lahore said Pakistan have go a formidable side for the junior World Cup. “This time around we have a very balanced team and have answer to all the problems. Good batting side backed by quality spin and pace attack. On top of all that we have got a very helpful and well versed coach in Ejaz Ahmad with us. If all goes according to plan, we have good chances of showing our true worth. Though in cricket you cannot say anything for guaranteed, we have good chances, provided luck supports us. In cricket you need to show your worth every time you land at the wicket.

It is consistent performance that matters.” Rohail praised Diamond Cricket Academy for helping honeying his skills. “I learnt all my cricket at the academy. I know well staying at par with the best you need consistent performance and that is what I am trying to do.”