KARACHI: Young batting star Azan Awais has a wish to bat alongside former Pakistan captain Babar Azam in the future.
Azan, 19, smashed a century against India on December 10 in the ongoing U19 Asia Cup in Dubai. The left-hander made an unbeaten 105 off 130 balls with the help of ten fours, guiding his side to an eight-wicket win over India.
While talking to Geo News, Azan revealed his favourite batters while mentioning Babar, whom he follows among the current batters.
"Saeed Anwar, Mohammad Yousuf, Alastair Cook, and Quinton de Kock are my favourite batters," he said.
"Lately, I've been following Babar Azam quite a bit. I had a meeting with him where we discussed techniques. He also talked to me about consistency in performance and I wish to play alongside him one day," he added.
Meanwhile, Azan disclosed what he has learned from Yousuf, who is now the head coach of Pakistan's junior side.
"I met Mohammad Yousuf two years back in NCA where he worked on me. He taught us to play in gaps and various techniques that benefited us," he added.
Azan has aspirations to become a world-class player and represent Pakistan in all three formats
It must be noted that Pakistan U19 have won two straight games of the Asia Cup. They defeated Nepal in the first game by seven wickets. They will play the last game of the group stage tomorrow.
Pakistan U19 squad - Saad Baig (captain and wicket-keeper), Ahmad Hussain, Ali Asfand, Amir Hassan, Arafat Minhas (vice-captain), Azan Awais, Khubaib Khalil, Najab Khan, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Mohammad Riazullah, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Zeeshan, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Ubaid Shah
Non-Travelling Reserves – Ahmad Hassan, Aimal Khan, Obaid Shahid and Mohammad Zulkifal
Support staff: Shoaib Muhammad (Team Manager), Muhammad Yousaf (Head Coach), Rehan Riaz (Bowling Coach), Mansoor Amjad (Fielding Coach), Muhammad Masroor (Assistant Batting Coach), Umer Rashid Dar (Assistant Coach) Hafiz Naeem Ul Rasul (Team Physio), Usman Hashmi (Team Analyst), Imran Ullah (Trainer), Muhammad Arslan (Media and Digital Manager)
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.- Babar Azam