Maaz Sadaqat Targets 2027 World Cup Spot

Pakistan batter Maaz Sadaqat, who made a strong impression in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, says he is targeting next year’s ODI World Cup. The 21-year-old is not part of the squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series with England and Sri Lanka, and said in a PCB video interview that he will dedicate a 15-20 day window to working on himself for the World Cup.

A Strong T20I Series

Maaz scored consecutive half-centuries in the first two T20Is to help Pakistan clinch the series. He made 50 off 29 balls in the opener, helping Pakistan recover alongside captain Sahibzada Farhan, and then smashed 96 off 51 balls in the second match, with seven sixes and six fours, falling just short of a maiden international century. His performances signalled a more aggressive batting approach for Pakistan in T20 cricket.

His Approach

• He prefers to work on his strengths rather than focus excessively on weaknesses, and aims to keep a positive intent from the start of an innings.

• He says he is most comfortable opening the innings, though he has previously said he is open to batting anywhere in the order.

• He sees competition for places as a challenge and says that if asked to bat lower, he will try to perform well enough to be promoted.

Background

Maaz rose from tape-ball cricket in Peshawar to become a franchise T20 sensation, and struck two centuries in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League season. A World Cup place would put him in contention for an opening slot alongside Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman.