Umar Akmal relishes domestic experience

Umar Akmal, the Pakistan batsman, aims to make the most of his experience of playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, his country's first-class domestic tournament. Akmal represents Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, who began their campaign with a six-wicket win over Water and Power Development Authority in Faisalabad.

"I've had a promising start to my international career, but I'm still learning about the game," Akmal told PakPassion.net. "I still have so much to learn as I have only played less than 30 first-class games and under 10 international matches."

Akmal, 19, averages 51 with five centuries in 27 first-class games. He's had an excellent start to his international career, scoring his maiden ODI century in just his third game and averages 58 in the format. In three innings in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, he's made 7, 52 and 39 and Akmal was confident the guidance of senior players in the side, like Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez, would help him improve.

"It's fantastic that I have so many experienced players around me at both domestic level with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and at international level," he said. "These senior players help me so much and I always say to myself that it doesn't matter how long you have been playing the game of cricket, you can always improve your game. Players at SNGPL of the calibre of Misbah ul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Shafiq and Saleem Mughal have helped me a great deal."

Akmal said he was expecting a tough contest against New Zealand in the upcoming ODI series. "Its all to play for and I think both sides are evenly matched. As far as I am concerned, whoever plays the best cricket will be victorious".