Raza Hasan attracts selectors’ attention with century

KARACHI: Raza Hasan, the left-arm spinner, has attracted selectors attention of the selectors by scoring an outstanding century while batting at number eight for National Bank of Pakistan against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited in the final of the Quaid e Azam Trophy at National Stadium here on Friday.

Raza is in contention with Zulfiqar Babar and Yasir Shah to replace Saeed Ajmal who is now highly unlikely to be in the team for the World Cup 2015 due to his illegal bowling action as PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said he was still unable to bring his elbow extension within the prescribed limit of 15 degree.

Raza scored 123 off 209 balls, hitting 14 fours and four sixes, adding 87 with number eleven Ziaul Haq, helping NBP set up a 208 runs target for SNGPL. The match ended in a draw, but SNGPL won the trophy on the basis of their first innings lead.

Pakistan selectors have been in search for a player who could perform well with both bat and ball, a role Mohammad Hafeez has been playing for a number of years. If Hafeez and Ajmal fail to get their action cleared before the World Cup, Pakistan will have to choose from among Zulfiqar, Yasir and Raza for the World Cup. Raza’s batting credentials will boost his chances to be picked for the mega event. All three of these spinners have similar batting records, but Raza’s century in the final has given him a big advantage as the Pakistani team will need an all-rounder in the team Down Under to give depth to their batting line and variety to bowling

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