Shahzaib Hasan Khan, the hard-hitting opener for the Karachi Zebras is one of 3 new faces to one day international cricket, selected for the upcoming Asia Cup tournament. Needless to say, he is delighted to be given an opportunity in 50 over cricket and is looking forward to making a big impact.

by Ahmed Zulfiqar

7 June 2010

Shahzaib Hasan Khan, the hard-hitting opener for the Karachi Dolphins is one of 3 new faces to one day international cricket, selected for the upcoming Asia Cup tournament. Needless to say, he is delighted to be given an opportunity in 50 over cricket and is looking forward to making a big impact.

Shahzaib who has represented Pakistan on 4 occasions in Twenty/20 internationals is currently attending the national training camp being held at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Speaking to PakPassion.net , he shared his experiences from the camp. “The training camp has been very enjoyable. We are being pushed hard by the coaches and it is tough work in this heat, but I am really enjoying it".

When asked about what training methods have been utilized in preparation for the Asia Cup, Shahzaib said “There have been no warmup matches, mainly nets and fielding practice, and also a lot of one to one coaching.”

Shahzaib also spoke very highly of the coaching staff. “Waqar bhai and Ijaz bhai are just tremendous; they have a real connection with the boys, and know how to get the very best out of them.”

The 20 year old had recently attended an emerging players camp that was supervised by the legendary Javed Miandad, and needless to say, he (Javed) had plenty of tips for the youngster.

“I recently attended an emerging players camp and found the advice provided by Javed sahab to be very useful. He gave me a lot of advice, especially with regards to some technical issues and batting with soft hands and rotating the strike. He also told me to concentrate more on working the ball around the field instead of looking for big shots all of the time.”

When quizzed about his personal ambitions and expectations, Shahzaib cut a very confident and assured figure. “I am confident that I can play well in the 50 over format of the game. Whilst I have no international experience at the 50 over format, I’m sure that I can turn my recent good domestic form into runs at international level and I am ready for the challenge of 50 over international cricket .”

When asked about the team’s chances in the Asia Cup, Shahzaib sounded very optimistic. “The combination of the side is very good; we are going to Sri Lanka to win the competition, and not to make up the numbers.”

The last word was for the captain of the Pakistan team, and Shahzaib’s Dolphins teammate, Shahid Afridi. “Shahid bhai has told me to be positive, and to bat with a positive attitude and not to think of any negative thoughts when I am batting, which I think is excellent advice and advice that I will take on board"

Shahzaib is one of a group of batsmen who could open the innings for Pakistan in Sri Lanka and he faces tough competition from the likes of Salman Butt, Imran Farhat and Kamran Akmal for one of the opening spots.