Daily Times

Pakistan’s first-class team Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) made headlines last month when they were oust from the race of the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The Mohammad Hafeez-led side secured just a single victory, against Karachi Whites, in three matches during the Super Eight stage of the country’s premier coloured-ball tournament.

The vacuum was filled on Tuesday when Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) secured their maiden final qualification from Group-I due to the first innings lead against Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), tipped to be one of the strongest sides this season, at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad.

WAPDA, led by former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, had been in phenomenal form throughout the tournament, winning eight out of their 10 matches. They will take on Habib Bank Limited (HBL) in the final starting Saturday, which will be a pink-ball affair.

“I’m thankful to God and have every reason to be happy with the performance of my side,” said Butt in an exclusive interview with dailytimes.com.pk on Wednesday, adding every individual put his hand up when demanded.

“There were injuries during the season, but the replacements stepped up every time. I am proud to lead a side like WAPDA.

“The mood is good in the dressing room but we know that we have to remain focused as our target is to win.”

Though cricket is a team sport and the success of a team rely on the collective efforts, however, if one has to single out a star performer it would be Kamran Akmal. The wicketkeeper batsman had a phenomenal first-class season as he plundered more than a thousand runs at the back of five centuries.

“Kamran has played exceptionally well throughout the season and I thank God that he played for us this season,” Butt said. “I think he is the only Pakistani keeper to achieve such a feat. He deserves praise and appreciation. Our winning streak would not have been possible without his input.”

After the return of Mohammad Amir to the international cricket in January this year, Butt is raring to don Pakistan colours. Initially there was an impression that the global cricket governing body — the International Cricket Council (ICC) — has suggested the Pakistan Cricket Board against selecting him and Mohammad Asif. But a statement from the ICC this week negating such a notion has put a question mark on the cricket board’s selection policy.

To a question regarding his comeback in the national side the 32-year-old said, “What I have to do is to stay fit and keep scoring runs and wait for the opportunity. When God will deem fit, I will be selected.”