DUBAI: Mohammad Nawaz, the most economical bowler in Pakistan Super League’s third edition so far and a key member of Quetta Gladiators, on Tuesday named Multan Sultans’ Kumar Sangakkara and Lahore Qalandars’ Brendon McCullum as the two batsmen he rates very highly and makes extra effort to keep them from cutting loose.

Speaking to Dawn in an exclusive interview, Nawaz said: “I have bowled against a lot of batsmen in this edition till now, but two players who really make me focus more in the game are Sangakkara and McCullum.”

“Both are very fine players and have all the shots in their armour, so it is always difficult to bolw to them.”

When asked how he manages to bog down so many batsmen at the crease, he said, “Obviously there is a difference between short and long boundaries, but as a bowler, I always remind myself that there is nothing more important for a bowler than bowling in the right areas.”

“If your line and length is accurate it becomes really difficult for any batsmen to hit you, no matter how good he is,” he added.

Responding to a question about his batting skills, Nawaz said, “I have a good List A record as a batsman and have quite a few good performances against my name with the bat as well. But obviously there is always ample room for improvement.”

“I am trying to polish my batting skills in the nets to contribute more with the bat and working hard so that I could play as a full-time all-rounder for Pakistan,” said Nawaz.

Nawaz was an integral part of Quetta Gladiators in the first and second editions of PSL but is yet to make an impact with the bat in the ongoing edition.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2018