Razzaq: There and back again

Two for 17 read Razzaqs figures within half-an-hour of his return from exile after playing for the unofficial Indian Cricket League. Skipper Khan got his early breakthroughs and Pakistan started to control the powerplay overs as the wily Razzaq,who had announced his retirement in a huff after being ignored for the inaugural World T20,made it difficult for the batsmen to hit him out of the park.

Ten years after batting at the crucial No.3 position,ahead of Ijaz Ahmed,Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana Mohd Yousuf and bowling alongside legends Wasim Akram,Waqar Younis as Pakistan reached the final of the 1999 World Cup,Razzaq had returned to play a decisive role in another glorious Pakistan campaign.

In October,with the World Cup around the corner,Razzaq hit an audacious 72-ball 109 to give Pakistan an unlikely win over South Africa in Abu Dhabi. Two months later,Razzaq displayed his full powers as an all-rounder when he hit 34 off just 17 balls and picked up three top-order New Zealand wickets to give Pakistan a 103-run victory in a T20 International at Christchurch.

With tons of experience under his belt 254 ODIs and loaded with the determination to make up for the two lost years when he fell out with the Pakistan Cricket Board,Razzaq is potentially Pakistans biggest match-winner.

That was a long time back8230; I didnt get along with the honchos in the PCB and at that time it looked like Pakistan cricket had shut its door on me, Razzaq told The Indian Express on Wednesday. Yet,I was confident that I would play for Pakistan again. I didnt play international cricket for nearly two years but I knew that given a chance I could deliver. I am an improved cricketer now, Razzaq said. Intikhab Alam,the former Pakistan coach and now manager of the team,believes that the presence of Razzaq makes Pakistan a dangerous side in the competition.

Skill to kill for

Razzaq has the weapons that make him a tricky customer in T20 and ODIs. A well-disguised slower ball and a dipping in-swinger to the right-hander has troubled batsmen no end. When he needs to up the ante,he can find the big shots a hoick over mid-wicket,a powerful pull and also has the uncanny ability to dig out yorker length balls and flay them to the boundary. The unbeaten 109 against South Africa was definitely my best innings8230; it came at the right time,gave me tons of confidence and helped me seal my World Cup berth, Razzaq said.

Yet,its the composure that Razzaq maintains in the white heat of the battle that makes him a special player. The 31-year-old believes that he is blessed with nerves of steel but admits that experience has helped him stay cool. It is not that I dont feel the pressure but I know that it is best not to show it to the opposition. But I do back myself to make runs and take wickets in the crunch. Winning a match for Pakistan gives me the greatest satisfaction,more so if it comes after the opponents believe they have already won it. Pressure is good,it tests you,teaches you more about yourself. You cant expect to be in a World Cup team if you havent delivered under pressure, Razzaq said.

Alam believes this to be the competition in which Razzaq gets his due. He is a genuine all-rounder who can open the bowling,take wickets and bat anywhere. Also,remember that he is hungry for success.

From the 1999 campaign,only three survive,Shoaib Akhtar,Shahid Afridi and Razzaq. Its great to be playing another World Cup. I hope we can replicate the success of 19998230; maybe even go one step ahead and win the Cup, Razzaq said.