LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik is of the opinion that Azhar Ali is a good captain and he should be given enough time by the PCB to establish himself.

He was talking with the media after hitting 112 off 76 deliveries which played a vital role for Pakistan to beat fighting Zimbabwe by 41 runs in the first ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Malik said Pakistan cricket team was going through a rebuilding phase and that everyone should show patience. He hoped Pakistan cricket would again reach the top.

The all-rounder said he had been passing through a difficult period and looking for an opportunity to grab.

Malik said he was thankful to head coach Waqar Younis and spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed for sending him to bat at number three following a good opening stand by Mohammad Hafeez and captain Azhar Ali.

“This strategy really helped me as I found maximum overs to regain confidence. Otherwise, I usually bat at number five,” he added.

When asked why Pakistan bowlers could not impress against Zimbabwe in the first ODI, Malik said it was difficult for bowlers to grip the ball properly from the 30th over due to dew while the outfield was fast.

He hailed Zimbabwe’s fight back and said the visitors played remarkably.

The all-rounder admitted that he had made mistakes in the past and that everyone should learn from their mistakes.

Malik added that he was focused and wanted to play his role in the betterment of Pakistan cricket.

He dedicated his match-winning century to his mother and said she had been praying for his career which had been in doldrums for the last six years.

Meanwhile, some players of Pakistan and Zimbabwe held a practice session for four hours on Wednesday.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will host a dinner in honour of the Zimbabwe cricket team on Thursday.

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2015

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