'I will try to perform like the no.1 batter'- Mohammad Haris on replacing Mohammad Rizwan for 6th T20I against England

The Pakistani team has handed 21-year-old Mohammad Haris a debut in T20I cricket in the sixth match of the ongoing series against England at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Friday, September 30. He replaced the leading run-scorer of the series Mohammed Rizwan in the starting eleven. The youngster revealed his excitement about making his T20I debut in front of his home crowd in Lahore.

Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan, who is in sensational run-scoring form, has been rested for the sixth encounter along with star pacer Haris Rauf. The hosts are currently leading the seven-match series 3-2 and will hope that the inclusion of Mohammad Haris in the team could further bolster their lead. 

But he faces the stern task of replacing Rizwan, who registered five half-centuries in his previous six outings and is the no.1 ranked T20I batter in the world. Haris stated that the series presents him with the opportunity to enhance his skills and reputation in the shortest format of the game.

“I am very excited. I have already made my ODI debut and now it’s my turn for T20Is. The series is a chance to enhance my skills because of the excitement in the series. I’m also excited to play against England, one of the best sides in the world. I am getting a chance to play in place of the World No.1 batter and I will try to perform like him,” Haris was quoted as saying in a video uploaded on the official Twitter handle of Pakistan Cricket.

'The way my teammates have supported me, I will look to perform well': Mohammad Haris

Haris further touched upon the pressure of playing against a quality side like England in the shortest format of the game, which changes in a blink of an eye. He highlighted the support and backing of his teammates which has spurned him to perform well in his maiden call-up to the T20I side.

“It’s a pressure situation playing against England and making a debut in front of home ground. T20I is a different format where a match changes in an over. But I am not taking any pressure. The way my teammates have supported me, I will look to perform well,” Haris added.