Balochistan are geared up for a big performance in the Pakistan Cup 2019 when the five teams converge to Rawalpindi for the tournament, which will get underway at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on April 2.
Balochistan cricket team skipper Asad Shafiq was excited at the opportunity of leading the Balochistan side, and felt his team was well balanced and had a good combination for the 50-over format. "We have a very good team for the 50-over format. The tournament is a big opportunity for all the players to prove their worth at a big stage," Asad said.
The Balochistan captain was keen on motivating his team with Pakistan team's selection due for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at the end of the tournament. The Test batsman also asked his side's fans to pray for the team's success. "We will try our best to win the tournament, the event is very well planned since the World Cup squad will be announced after the tournament ends, the performers have an opportunity of getting selected for the coveted event," Asad added.
For the 2019 edition, Balochistan have a solid batting line-up with the hugely experienced Asad set to be the guiding force. Asad, a veteran of 69 Tests, 60 ODIs and 10 T20Is, has amassed 4444 runs in 122 List A matches. The middle-order also includes the left-handed Fawad Alam, who also has rich cricket experience, while another left-hander Awais Zia provides firepower at the top of the innings in his opener's role.
Balochistan also have the explosive Umar Akmal in their batting ranks who will join the side following the ODI series against Australia, which is presently in progress in the United Arab Emirates. Quetta-born wicket-keeper batsman Bismillah Khan would be hoping to build onto his success in the Pakistan Cup 2018 edition. The right-hander, representing Balochistan, scored 239 runs at 59.75 in four games at an impressive strike-rate of 120.70.
Balochistan also have an exciting bowling line-up, which includes Lahore Qalandar's pace sensation Haris Rauf. Umar Khan, who was adjudged Emerging Player of HBL PSL 2019 after he consistently bamboozled the opponents with his flight and control during a highly successful event, would be keen on making a big impression with his left-arm spin bowling.
Balochistan team:- Asad Shafiq (captain); Ali Imran; Ammad Butt; Awais Zia; Bismillah Khan (WK); Fawad Alam; Ghulam Mudassar; Haris Rauf; Mohammad Irfan Sr; Qaiser Ashraf; Taj Wali; Umar Khan; Umer Akmal; Waqar Hussain (WK) and Zeeshan Ashraf. Balochistan cricket team will face Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federal areas on April 2, 4, 7 & 10, respectively.
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