PakPassion continues to bring its members and guests information on the best upcoming talent in Pakistan, with another in the Talent Spotter Series
Name : Zain Abbas
Age : 19
Place of Birth : Kabirwala
Batting Style : Left Hander
How got into Cricket : My brothers and I watched cricket on television from a young age. We all loved the game and all wanted to play it professionally. My brothers never made it to first class level but nonetheless we all loved the game from a young age.
Support : Naturally my family are delighted that I have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to play first class cricket and have been really supportive.
Early Days : I was playing district cricket in Kabirwala and was spotted there. From there I went and played Under 19 district cricket for Multan region where I performed well. After the Under 19 district cricket where I was top runscorer I went for Under 19 regional trials at and was selected and did very well at regional level.
One Day Debut for Multan Tigers : After my success at Under 19 regional level, I was given the opportunity to play first class cricket and made my debut in January of this year in the Faysal Bank One Day National Cup Division One for Multan Tigers. I made 58 on debut as we beat Sialkot Stallions. I played 5 matches for Multan Tigers in the one day competition and scored nearly 400 runs at an average of over 76, with a highest score of 122.
Pentangular Cup : Last month I made my first class debut in the Pentangular Cup for Baluchistan versus Punjab. We were bowled out for 126 in our first innings by by the Grace of the Almighty I carried my bat and made 71. I played 2 matches for Baluchistan and topped the averages, having scored 190 runs in 4 innings.
Pakistan Under 19 Acadamy : I was part of the Under 19 Academy squad that was assembled recently at the NCA in Lahore. It was a one month get together and there I worked with coaches like Ijaz Ahmed, Ali Zia and Mansoor Rana.
Favourite Ever Cricketer and Role Model : Saeed Anwar. A fellow left hander who I model my batting on and want to emulate.
Favourite Shot : Cover Drive and The Pull Shot
Favourite Current Pakistan Players : Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, both of whom are aggressive cricketers and whose approach I really admire.From the ucoming players I would say Asad Shafiq.
Favourite Even Non Pakistani Cricketer : Adam Gilchrist. His pull shot was always magnificent and I still love watching him bat.
Tweaking the Technique : The coaches haven't really identified any major weaknesses. There have been a few minor issues that the NCA coaches identified and that I have worked upon and they have helped my batting. One particular adjustment was a slight change in my stance to make it a little bit more open as the coaches felt that I was too side on. Also the emphasis was on making me comfortable at the crease and not to be uncomfortable in my stance.
Fielding : This is an area of my game that I feel I need to improve upon. I normally field in the slips or inside the circle.
Favourite Grounds : Gadaffi Stadium Lahore and Multan.
Other Youngsters that Have Impressed Him : Babar Azam and Shahzad Ali. Both very impressive and talented right handed batsmen.
Toughest Opponent So Far : Mohammad Sami, I faced him when he was bowling a really quick and hostile spell and was impressed by him. I enjoyed facing him, but it was a stern challenge.
Hobbies : Badminton, Music (I'm a big fan of Atif Aslam), Video Games.
Future Plans : Naturally the aim is to play for Pakistan as soon as possible, but I have to keep my feet on the ground as so much has happened this season and I don't want to get ahead of myself. Things have to be done step by step, maybe play some Pakistan "A" cricket and continue to do well in domestic cricket and then we'll see what happens, but the desire definitely is to be be playing for Pakistan as soon as possible.
Name : Zain Abbas
Age : 19
Place of Birth : Kabirwala
Batting Style : Left Hander
How got into Cricket : My brothers and I watched cricket on television from a young age. We all loved the game and all wanted to play it professionally. My brothers never made it to first class level but nonetheless we all loved the game from a young age.
Support : Naturally my family are delighted that I have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to play first class cricket and have been really supportive.
Early Days : I was playing district cricket in Kabirwala and was spotted there. From there I went and played Under 19 district cricket for Multan region where I performed well. After the Under 19 district cricket where I was top runscorer I went for Under 19 regional trials at and was selected and did very well at regional level.
One Day Debut for Multan Tigers : After my success at Under 19 regional level, I was given the opportunity to play first class cricket and made my debut in January of this year in the Faysal Bank One Day National Cup Division One for Multan Tigers. I made 58 on debut as we beat Sialkot Stallions. I played 5 matches for Multan Tigers in the one day competition and scored nearly 400 runs at an average of over 76, with a highest score of 122.
Pentangular Cup : Last month I made my first class debut in the Pentangular Cup for Baluchistan versus Punjab. We were bowled out for 126 in our first innings by by the Grace of the Almighty I carried my bat and made 71. I played 2 matches for Baluchistan and topped the averages, having scored 190 runs in 4 innings.
Pakistan Under 19 Acadamy : I was part of the Under 19 Academy squad that was assembled recently at the NCA in Lahore. It was a one month get together and there I worked with coaches like Ijaz Ahmed, Ali Zia and Mansoor Rana.
Favourite Ever Cricketer and Role Model : Saeed Anwar. A fellow left hander who I model my batting on and want to emulate.
Favourite Shot : Cover Drive and The Pull Shot
Favourite Current Pakistan Players : Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, both of whom are aggressive cricketers and whose approach I really admire.From the ucoming players I would say Asad Shafiq.
Favourite Even Non Pakistani Cricketer : Adam Gilchrist. His pull shot was always magnificent and I still love watching him bat.
Tweaking the Technique : The coaches haven't really identified any major weaknesses. There have been a few minor issues that the NCA coaches identified and that I have worked upon and they have helped my batting. One particular adjustment was a slight change in my stance to make it a little bit more open as the coaches felt that I was too side on. Also the emphasis was on making me comfortable at the crease and not to be uncomfortable in my stance.
Fielding : This is an area of my game that I feel I need to improve upon. I normally field in the slips or inside the circle.
Favourite Grounds : Gadaffi Stadium Lahore and Multan.
Other Youngsters that Have Impressed Him : Babar Azam and Shahzad Ali. Both very impressive and talented right handed batsmen.
Toughest Opponent So Far : Mohammad Sami, I faced him when he was bowling a really quick and hostile spell and was impressed by him. I enjoyed facing him, but it was a stern challenge.
Hobbies : Badminton, Music (I'm a big fan of Atif Aslam), Video Games.
Future Plans : Naturally the aim is to play for Pakistan as soon as possible, but I have to keep my feet on the ground as so much has happened this season and I don't want to get ahead of myself. Things have to be done step by step, maybe play some Pakistan "A" cricket and continue to do well in domestic cricket and then we'll see what happens, but the desire definitely is to be be playing for Pakistan as soon as possible.
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