Share

Razzaq keen to play his part

Colombo - All-rounder Abdul Razzaq on Tuesday said he was ready to play his part for Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup after a quiet opening to the tournament in which he has performed a peripheral role.

The 31-year-old veteran of 256 one-day internationals batted at number eight during Pakistan's thumping 205-run triumph over Kenya and again in their 11-run win over co-hosts Sri Lanka.

"Definitely, when you get to bat your confidence goes high, but our batting line-up is very strong and I am not getting many chances but whenever I do I am ready to play my part," said Razzaq.

Razzaq faced just six balls during Pakistan's 317-7 against Kenya, scoring an unbeaten eight, and played just four deliveries against Sri Lanka, scoring three.

Sharing the new ball with Shoaib Akhtar, he bowled five overs in each game, failing to take a wicket.

Razzaq, who is playing his fourth World Cup and has 262 wickets in ODIs, said sub-continental pitches favour the batsmen.

"If you look at other teams, number seven and eight batsmen are not getting many 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 and do my job of lifting the run rate," said Razzaq, who hit a 72-ball 109 not out against South Africa in Abu Dhabi last year.

"It is my wish to bat up the order but that's up to the team requirement, it's team unity that everyone is doing what is needed, and the aim of every player is to perform when needed," said Razzaq, who has 4,970 ODI runs.

Razzaq said his role with the new ball was to keep things tight and support Akhtar.

"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. These are tough wickets for bowlers but I am fit and have experience of bowling on such tracks," he said.

Pakistan next play Canada in Colombo on Thursday. They top Group A with two wins out of two.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE