Taufeeq aims to cross 6,000-run mark before retirement

Karachi: Pakistan opener Taufeeq Umar aims to cross the 6,000-run mark before calling it a day.

“I’ve got several good innings under my belt and those have given me the confidence of staying in the middle for longer while also scoring runs in pressure situations,” a daily quoted Taufeeq, as saying. “The more you stay on the pitch, the more you learn to tackle dodgy situations. I believe I’ve also been maturing gradually and that’s why I want to score at least 6,000 runs in Tests before retiring,” he added. He rates his double-century as the ‘highlight’ of his career that gives him ‘great satisfaction’. Taufeeq also wants a proper shot at limited-overs cricket, especially after his aggressive show in the recently concluded Super Eights T20 Cup where he emerged as the Eagles’ top-scorer with 138 runs at a strike-rate of 132. He averages just under 40 with the bat and although his recent form has been poor, his century against Bangladesh and a career-best 236 against Sri Lanka last year helped him cement his place in the Pakistan squad. ANI