Aslam central to Pakistan’s hopes of U-19 World Cup glory

Abdul Kadir Hussain 17:48 15/02/2014
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  • Vital: Captain Sami Aslam is expected to play a key role for Pakistan.

    The ICC Under-19 World Cup got underway in the UAE on Friday as the future stars of cricket battle it out for the ultimate prize in youth cricket. 

    Here, Abdul Kadir Hussain profiles one of the pre-tournament favourites in Pakistan, who despite losing their opener to rivals India, are expected to contest the latter stages of the World Cup.

    Pakistan always start as one of the favorites in this, the pinnacle of youth cricket. Back to back winners in 2004 and 2006, they tend to perform well at this level where natural talent and one or two individuals can make all the difference.

    This time around hopes are especially high, other then the heart breaking loss to India in the Asia Cup final in January of this year, this current group of players has had tremendous success over the past year. Winning 18 games in a row before that loss to their arch rivals.

    The current squad boasts some high quality players, but the leader is undoubtedly captain Sami Aslam. Already the world record holder for most runs made at under-19 level, Aslam comes into the tournament in a rich vein of form having scored heavily this season not only at the under-19 level but also at first-class level in Pakistan.

    A left-handed opening batsmen, Aslam is compared by many to the legendary Saeed Anwar, and it will be interesting to see how he handles the weight of expectation not only of him but of his whole side.

    Aslam is supported in the batting department by Inam-ul-Haq – the nephew of the former Pakistan great Inzamam, and by a third left hander in Hasan Raza.

    Kamran Ghulam and Zafar Gohar are two hard hitting all-rounders who will be key not only in the lower half of the batting but will also be the team’s main bowling weapons during the middle overs with their left-arm spin.

    The pace bowling department will be led by left-armer Zia-ul-Haq; a strapping lad of around 6ft 3” who generates good bounce and is an intelligent bowler, with good changes of pace and the ability to move the ball away from right handers.

    Rounding out the bowling department will be diminuative Karamat Ali; a wily leg spinner who has caused a lot of problems even to good players of spin bowling like arch-rivals India.

    Success may come down to that Achilles heel of Pakistan cricket – fielding. It was the fielding that let them down badly in that Asia Cup Final loss to India, and it will be interesting to see if the sessions they have had with former senior team fielding coach Julien Fountain have resulted in any improvement.

    The UAE conditions should suit the sub-continent teams and I would be surprised if Pakistan got knocked out any earlier than the semi-finals. Beyond that it will be a matter of handling the pressure and having that little bit of luck that all champions need.

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