ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s emerging batting sensation Azan Awais has attributed his memorable debut Test century against Bangladesh in Dhaka to the relentless hard work and consistency he displayed in domestic cricket over the last two years.
The 21-year-old left-handed batsman, who announced his arrival on the international stage in style with a magnificent hundred under pressure, said the demanding domestic circuit prepared him mentally and technically for the challenges of Test cricket.
“I have played 33 first-class matches during the last two years. I worked extremely hard and scored heavily in domestic cricket which gave me the confidence to perform at the international level,” Azan said while talking to the media after his landmark innings.
Displaying maturity beyond his age, the youngster said scoring a century on Test debut was a dream come true but insisted that he remained focused on maintaining consistency in the future.
“I am satisfied and excited because scoring a century on debut is never easy, especially in challenging conditions away from home. But this is just the beginning for me. I want to work even harder in the coming matches and continue contributing for Pakistan,” he added.
Azan’s composed knock drew widespread praise from former cricketers and fans alike, with many hailing the youngster’s temperament and shot selection against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Despite Pakistan conceding a narrow first-innings lead, the young batter remained optimistic about the team’s chances in the Test, saying the contest was still evenly poised. “There is very little separating the two teams so far. The match is still open and we will make every effort to stage a strong comeback in the second innings and push for victory,” he said confidently.
Reflecting on the journey that brought him to the highest level, Azan paid rich tribute to his father for playing a pivotal role in his development as a cricketer. “My father’s role in my career is unforgettable. He supported and motivated me throughout my journey,” he said.
The youngster also acknowledged the contribution of his coaches, particularly Mansoor Amjad, who he said helped shape his game during the formative years. “Mansoor helped me immensely and later the coaches at camps and academies also worked very hard on my game. However, I believe my performances in domestic cricket played the biggest role in helping me flourish at the start of my international career,” Azan maintained.
Azan’s remarkable debut has now raised hopes of Pakistan discovering a dependable top-order batsman for the future, with the young left-hander already showing the temperament, patience and hunger required to succeed in the longest format of the game.
