DUBAI: Lahore Qalandars batsman Umar Akmal said on Tuesday that ongoing Pakistan Super League will help him perform well in international Twenty20 contests.

“The PSL is a good step and we hope it will help us in international cricket,” said Umar, who scored a blistering 93 off just 40 balls against Quetta Gladiators on Monday night.

When asked if he was disappointed on missing out on his century, Umar said: “I am not at all sad because this is a big knock and had I scored it, it would have been the first in the PSL and my name would have been among top international cricketers.”

Umar explained how the team overcame the setback of losing big-hitting Chris Gayle to a back injury.

“Gayle is a big name all over the world, but we are not depending on him alone. We are a team and even if he was not there we needed to tell the world that without him we can win. So it’s a good sign that we won and when he comes back it will be more threatening for other teams,” said Umar.

“All credit goes to our team management; they were free and relaxed even after two defeats and they gave us confidence and belief. They told us that we can win and that belief we applied in the match. Our aim is to win the PSL by giving hundred per cent,” he added.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2016