File Photo: Rahat Ali celebrates against New Zealand.
© AP
Karachi: Pakistan's rookie left-arm pacer Rahat Ali, who got a surprise cricket World Cup call-up, is hoping to play against arch-rivals India in Adelaide on February 15 and said he has the weapon in his arsenal to trouble the strong Indian batting line up.
Pakistan on Thursday gave Ali a surprise cricket World Cup call-up, to replace the injured Junaid Khan. The 26-year-old Ali has played just one one-day international, in 2012, and did not even feature in the 30-member probables list of the World Cup, which starts on February 14. (Saeed Ajmal May Still Make it to World Cup Squad)
"I always dreamt of playing in the World Cup so when the selectors didn't consider me in the 30 probables I was disappointed but I didn't give up hope," Ali said on a television channel.
"The news of my inclusion came out of the blue for me but now I dream of playing against India on February 15 because I know I can do well against their top batsmen," he said. (India Won't Face a Big Threat From Pakistan: Azharuddin)
The lanky pacer has remained Pakistan's specialist Test match selection since 2012, having appeared in 11 Tests but has made only one ODI appearance way back in June, 2012 in Sri Lanka.
"I know it is a long time since I played in a one-day international but I played a number of one-day matches in domestic cricket so it is not a new format for me," he said. (Pakistan Without Ajmal is Like Ice-Cream Without Chocolate Topping: Ian Chappell to NDTV)
Ali, who went wicketless in his only ODI, said he was ready to accept any role given to him by the team management in the World Cup.
"I just hope they give me a chance to play against India because it is a very important game for everyone and I know I can do well against them," Ali said.
"I take no pressure on the field and having played Test cricket and bowled long spells I know how to handle pressure. And if you do well against India it gives a lot of satisfaction and accolades," he noted.
The pacer however made it clear that his priority remained Test matches.
"I just hope that I can remain fit and in form for a long period so that I can achieve the landmark of playing 100 Tests over the next many years," Ali said.
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