Cricket: Manzoor hopes first century is just the beginning
- October 18, 2013, 12:23 pm
- Sports News
- 89 Views
ABU DHABI, Oct 16, (APP/AFP) - Pakistan's talented
opener Khurram Manzoor Wednesday hoped his maiden hundred
against South Africa will be the beginning of bigger things in
the future.
The 27-year-old right-hander smashed 146 in Pakistan's
first innings total of 442, putting on an invaluable 135 for
the opening wicket with debutant Shan Masood (75) to set a solid foundation.
Skipper Misbah-ul Haq also shone with 100 to give Pakistan a
big lead of 193 over South Africa's first innings score
of 249.
By close on the third day Pakistan had removed four
South African batsmen for 72, sensing an innings win on
day four.
Manzoor, who was recalled to the side for the tour of
Zimbabwe last month after a frustrating three-year gap, said
the century will just be the beginning.
"I felt good on reaching my maiden century, wanted to get
to the double but made a mistake and got out. But it is just
the beginning and I will do my best to score more to further
my career," said Manzoor.
Hailed as one of the most polished openers on
Pakistan's domestic front, Manzoor made his debut against Sri Lanka
in the fateful series of 2009, scoring 59 not out in the
second Test.
That second Test in Lahore was postponed after terrorists
attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus, eventually suspending
all international cricket in Pakistan.
He also made a fighting 77 in Pakistan's defeat against
Australia at Hobart but then selectors continued to ignore
him, often criticising his flawed technique.
But that did not deter Manzoor.
"I didn't get disheartened because my mentor Rashid Latif
always told me to work hard and leave the rest to Almighty,"
said Manzoor, refering to former captain Latif, also coach of
the Port Qasim team for which Manzoor plays in Pakistan.
"I never think negatively and that's what I have learnt
from life, from my parents and from my teachers. I never lost hope
and knew that one day I will get my chance," said Manzoor.
A prolific 2012/13 season in which he scored 1065 runs
plus an innings of 178 in the final of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy
in February this year was enough to get a recall.
"It was a tough phase but I kept (up) the hard work,"
said Manzoor who scored twin half-centuries in the second Test
loss against Zimbabwe last month.
Manzoor said he looks up to experienced batsman Younis Khan
as his ideal.
"I have always looked up to him to learn, to follow his
footstep is my ambition. He is a great team man, always ready to
help the new players," said Manzoor, who dedicated his hundred to
newly wed wife Sameen.
"I dedicate this hundred to my wife Sameen who has been
praying for my success," said Manzoor.
Pakistan, who have tried 26 different opening pairs since
2003, six in the last seven Tests, will be hoping Manzoor
and Masood survive to solve their opening woes.
