Pakistani Cricket Players: Abdul Razaq

Abdul Razzaq Biography
Source(google.com.pk)
He has a prodigious wide strokes and is particularly strong driving through the roof and half were from outside the front and back foot. He has two speeds: Block or explosion. Cut the fat cats and Razzaq stagnates, but patience is a virtue as demonstrated in a fifty-saving match against India in Mohali in 2005. Just before he had also played a surprisingly slow shift in Australia, scoring four runs over two hours.Part of Pakistan’s prolific entrances of all-rounders who quickly made an impact following their international debuts, Abdul Razzaq was introduced into Pakistan’s international set up as a bowler.

Razzaq made his debut in the home ODIs against Zimbabwe in 1996, used as a handy bowler who gave economic middle-over spells. While never struggling initially, during the tour of South Africa, his medium-pace bowling looked toothless on bouncy continental surfaces, often being severely punished for runs. His bowling grew in stature as months passed, and he additionally honed his batting skills, improving as a pinch-hitter. By the 1999 World Cup, he replaced Rameez Raja at the number three slot. His ability to rotate strike and be a handy pinch-hitter adapted Razzaq to either come in at the loss of an early wicket or consolidate a good start. During the 1999 World Cup in England, he was a key member in Pakistan’s final-place finish. Progress in ODIs over his first three years was deemed well enough for a Test debut, earning his maiden green cap in a one-off appearance on tour to Australia in 1999. It took him seven innings to register his first Test fifty, scored during Pakistan’s travel to the West Indies. A maiden Test century came in 2000 at Faisalabad in England’s sub continental visit. The same year, he also took a hat-trick against Sri Lanka, providing highlights of his dual ability.

Razzaq remained a mainstay in the Pakistani line-up, playing in the 2003 World Cup. While niggling knocks often kept him out, it sometimes affected his bowling speed and batting rhythm. It also led to his exclusion from the 2007 World Cup. Upon being fit, he was overlooked for Pakistan’s World Twenty20 squad, which led to him announcing retirement in retaliation. He went on to play in the unrecognized rebel league, thereby invoking a ban from the Pakistani Board. The two later reconciled with Razzaq calling off his retirement, to be selected in the 2009 World T20 squad, which Pakistan eventually won. While injuries have taken its toll on the multifaceted Razzaq, he still remains one of Pakistan cricket’s enduring faces during his current era that peaked and toughened in symmetry.
When the occasion arises, though, as often ODIs, you can still slog with the best of them: England, were ransacked by a 22-ball 51 in late 2005. and then again for almost 60 runs in the last three overs of an ODI in September the following year.
Abdul Razzaq was once rapid enough to open the bowling and remains composed enough to bat anywhere, though he is discovering that the lower-order suits him nicely. His bowling - the reason he was first noticed - is characterised by a galloping approach, accuracy, and reverse-swing. But it is his batting that is more likely to win matches. He boasts a prodigious array of strokes and is particularly strong driving through cover and mid-off off both front and back foot. He has two gears: block or blast. Cut off the big shots and Razzaq gets bogged down, although patience is his virtue as he demonstrated in a match-saving fifty against India in Mohali in 2005. Just prior to that he had also played a bewilderingly slow innings in Australia, scoring four runs in over two hours. When the occasion demands it though, as ODIs often do, he can still slog with the best of them: England were pillaged for a 22-ball 51 at the end of 2005. and then again for nearly 60 runs in the last three overs of an ODI in September the following year.

Test Debut:
        Pakistan Vs Australia at Brisbane Cricket Ground (Woolloongabba), Brisbane - Queensland - Nov 05, 1999

Last played:
        Pakistan Vs West Indies at National Stadium, Karachi - Nov 27, 2006

    ODI Debut:
        Pakistan Vs Zimbabwe at Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore Stadium), Lahore - Nov 01, 1996
    Last played:
     Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka at Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, Dubai - Nov 18, 2011

T20 Debut
Pakistan Vs England at County Ground, Nevil Road, Bristol - Aug 28, 2006
    Last played:
        Pakistan Vs South Africa at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai - Nov 15, 201