U-19 all-rounder Azam overjoyed after selection in Twenty20 World Cup squad

Islamabad, Mar. 15 (ANI): Under 19 Pakistani all-rounder Hammad Azam expressed disbelief when he was told that he has made it to Pakistan's Twenty20 squad for the upcoming World Cup.

"I'd heard a lot of rumours and many people told me that I would be selected but that still doesn't prepare you for the shock you get when it finally becomes real. When it had sunk in, that this was really happening and that I was really going to play in the T20 World Cup, I was so excited and very proud to be representing my country," Azam said.

"It's a very big thing to play for your country and I intend on making it count. I'll learn a lot from just being around experienced senior players and watching their preparations and routines," Azam added.

He recently scored 37 runs off just 22 balls against Pakistan A team.

"I came in to bat as Saeed Ajmal was starting his 4 overs and he bowled really well today taking 4 wickets but I still managed to score off him. I also faced an over each from Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Hafeez and Asad Ali. I hit 3 fours and 2 sixes," he said.

Hammad is hoping to emulate the way Sohail Tanvir, Misbah Ul Haq, Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Aamer have used previous T20 World Cups to make a name for themselves.

"I've been playing in the lower middle order for a few months now and it's a role that I execute well, I enjoy the pressure and I like to play out the last ball of every innings," he said.

"Ideally I'd like to continue in this position but I'm flexible, I'd be willing to bat wherever the captain and coach need me to bat. The important thing is to get the right balance for the akistan team and to successfully defend our T20 World Championship," he added. (ANI)