Daily Times

KARACHI: Wicket-keeper batsman Kamran Akmal sees the presence of South African great Hashim Amla in the Peshawar Zalmi camp as a great opportunity for everyone on the team, including himself. Kamran who can be considered as a senior team member of the Peshawar Zalmi spoke about Amla while speaking to the media in Karachi here Wednesday. “To rub your shoulders with a legend like Hashim Amla is a great opportunity, not only for youngsters but for players like myself as well,” said Kamran.

“Although it has been just two days that he’s been here but I am learning a lot from him and I will surely apply these learnings during PSL,” he said. When asked what he has learnt from the South African so far, the 38-year-old said that he has observed Amla’s work ethic and batting style. “Amla has also told me about how to bat in first six overs and then how to build an innings. It is helping me,” said Kamran who has represented Pakistan 157 ODIs, 58 T20Is and 53 Test matches.

Kamran was also asked about the record on becoming the first man to complete 100 stumpings in his T20 career. Currently, he is three stumpings from the record and just 15 dismissals behind India’s MS Dhoni in the list of most T20 dismissals. The top-order batsman, however, said that he was not focusing on any individual record. “I wouldn’t say that I want to achieve any record or break anyone’s record. That’s not my goal. I am focused on contributing to my team. I score 10 or 20, but it should help the team,” said the wicket-keeper.

Kamran said that he hopes to play positive cricket in this year’s PSL because that would help the team’s cause. He also shared that he realizes that as the top scorer of the league he has more responsibility and he’s willing to live up to that expectation. “I have worked hard for the league personally and I am looking forward to doing my best in the league,” Kamran said confidently.