Abdul Razzaq wants larger role in World Cup
Abdul Razzaq wants to play a bigger role in Pakistan's World Cup campaign. In two matches so far, A.Razzaq has been a peripheral figure, having played a total of 10 balls and bowled just five overs in each game.
Part of the problem is the position he comes in at, number eight more. In both of Pakistan opening matches the top order gave the lower middle order batsmen like Umar Akmal , Shahid Afridi and A.Razzaq a platform to launch the innings to a big total. But that leaves the big hitting trio with only 5-10 overs to spare hence A.Razzaq gets limited time on the crease.
"It is my wish to bat up the order but that's up to the team requirement," A.Razzaq said after a practice session at the P Sara Oval in Colombo. "It is the team's unity that everyone is doing what is needed. Whenever I get a chance I will perform. The main aim is to perform for the team. Our batting line-up is looking long just because it is performing well, otherwise it will look short if it doesn't perform."
The limited role has led to questions about the balance of the side; Pakistan have played with three specialist bowlers and Shahid Afridi in both games, and the combination has not allowed A.Razzaq to contribute. Neither has it allowed for another specialist bowler to be played. "When you get to bat your confidence goes high but our batting is strong so I am not getting chances," A.Razzaq said.
"If you look at other teams, number seven and eight are not getting much chances but that is part of the game because the pitches here are slow and help batting. I am keeping myself ready in the nets so whenever the team needs me I will be playing my part."
A.Razzaq has had some success with the ball in Sri Lanka over the years, picking up 28 wickets in 27 ODIs at 27 each. "My role with the new ball is to do five or six overs and take one or two wickets, if I do that it's good for the team. You have to be fit to do both batting and bowling and I have kept my fitness and have experience of bowling on such type of wickets."
The limited role has led to questions about the balance of the side; Pakistan have played with three specialist bowlers and Shahid Afridi in both games, and the combination has not allowed A.Razzaq to contribute. Neither has it allowed for another specialist bowler to be played. "When you get to bat your confidence goes high but our batting is strong so I am not getting chances," A.Razzaq said.
"If you look at other teams, number seven and eight are not getting much chances but that is part of the game because the pitches here are slow and help batting. I am keeping myself ready in the nets so whenever the team needs me I will be playing my part."
A.Razzaq has had some success with the ball in Sri Lanka over the years, picking up 28 wickets in 27 ODIs at 27 each. "My role with the new ball is to do five or six overs and take one or two wickets, if I do that it's good for the team. You have to be fit to do both batting and bowling and I have kept my fitness and have experience of bowling on such type of wickets."
Pakistan take on Canada in their third match tomorrow.
