Ex-captain wants Abid Ali in World Cup for Pakistan

Pakistan top order batsman Abid Ali debuted in international cricket with a blistering century against Australia at the fourth One Day International (ODI) of the five match series at Dubai last night.

The domestic cricket veteran knock of 112 runs might have gone in vain as he alongside Mohammad Rizwan, who scored his second century of the series were not able to save Pakistan from another defeat, after Australia won by six runs.

Abid's performance, however, did draw praise from many, including Pakistan's former captain-turned-cricket commentator Ramiz Raja, who now wants him in the World Cup squad of Pakistan. “I am very happy with Abid Ali’s innings, as Abid has accumulated piles of runs in domestic cricket, but remained unable to impress the selection committee and Mickey Arthur," he said.

"However, this time around he talked with his bat and played a fantastic and confident inning. In my book he is a pretty favourite candidate for a World Cup spot,” Raja added.

Abid, aged 31, has got an extensive domestic cricket experience with 6,700 runs in over 100 first-class matches, featuring 17 centuries and over 3000 runs in List A cricket as well.