Azhar is showing himself as one of the best batsmen Pakistan had; Wahab Riaz

Azhar Ali has once again impressed the cricketing world and the experts with his fine batting skills. The 31-year-old produced a top of the range batting display, smashing an undefeated 139 in the rain-interrupted match at MCG and needs 20 more runs to break the 44-year record for the highest score by a Pakistan batsman on Australian soil -currently held by Majid Khan, who scored 158 in Melbourne in 1972.

While praises are coming from all sects, Pakistan fast bowler and his teammate Wahab Riaz seemed completely bowled over by Ali and has declared him as one of the greatest batsmen the country has produced. Riaz praised the opener’s determination after Azhar hit his 12th century of his Test career and first in Australia.

“Azhar is showing himself as one of the best batsmen Pakistan had. The way he has maintained an average of 46 in the last five years it shows he has scored consistently for Pakistan throughout his career. I wish that he scores more runs and Pakistan continue to benefit from him. He is very determined and focused and always wants to deliver for Pakistan. That’s why his hard work is paying off, Wahab told reporters after the second day’s play at the MCG.

Considering Pakistan’s batting struggles Down Under, it is a remarkable achievement for Azhar to come within striking distance of registering the best score by a Pakistan player in Australia. He had a nervy start to his innings on the first morning but later looked largely untroubled against the Australian attack.  On the second day, Ali went to complete his century after resuming on 66 after surviving a run out scare when batting on 96. His batting efforts also saw him knit a match-defining 115-run partnership 5th wicket stand with Asad Shafiq that brought Pakistan back in the game.

“Everyone has his own opinion which could be right or wrong. Azhar has never taken offence over such comments. He knows what he is capable of and what his skills are. He has his own areas where he scores runs. If you look at his strike rate it is not that slow.”

“So I think we should not bother about what people say. They have their own opinion. Azhar knows where he is good at, how he needs to score runs.”