Scotland's Haq keen to imitate Inzamam by AFP

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Player:	RM Haq
Event:	ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 14th March 2007

 

Scotland opener Majid Haq not only shares the surname of Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, but also keenly follows his idol's exploits with the bat.

 

Majid remembers clearly the impact Inazamam had on him when he watched the master batsman on TV during the 1992 World Cup which Pakistan went on to win.

 

"I was just nine years old when Inzamam was a thumping success in 1992 and Pakistan won the trophy. It gave me a huge interest in cricket and I took up the game," Majid Haq told AFP.

 

Inzamam hit a robust 37-ball 60 in the semi-final against New Zealand in 1992 and then a brisk 35-ball 42 in the final against England as Pakistan recorded their only triumph in the Cup history in Australia.

 

"That is still fresh in my memory and if I could do the same thing as Inzamam did and help Scotland win, it will make my World Cup," said Majid, who also bowls off-spin.

 

The 24-year-old was born in Paisley, Scotland, but his father came from the same town of Sialkot from where Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik hails. His mother comes from Sargodha.

 

Majid got his first chance to meet Inzamam when Pakistan met Scotland in a one-day international in Edinburgh last year and although he did not play that game, it was a moment to cherish.

 

The World Cup opening ceremony at Montego Bay provided him with a chance to meet his other favourites, like India's Sachin Tendulkar and West Indian Brian Lara.

 

"To be part of this World Cup is a great feeling itself and then a chance to meet legends like Tendulkar and Lara is the icing on the cake," said Majid who insists the Scots will not be overawed in the tournament.

 

"For us to beat teams like Australia and South Africa would be like the Faroes beating Brazil at football but we are here to give our best and who knows we might shock someone," said Majid.

 

Scotland are in Group A with the defending champions as well as world number one South Africa and fellow minnows the Netherlands.

 

Scotland's Australian coach Peter Drinnen praised Majid's progress.

 

"He has shown promise and we hope that he comes good in the World Cup and develops into a good all-rounder," said Queenslander Drinnen.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)