Cricket’s next big stars: Awais Mohammad and Tanveer Ahmed

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By Ben Pang and YP cadet Jay Ganglani
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Rugby and football get all the attention here, but the spotlight now is on this month’s first-ever Twenty20 Blitz

By Ben Pang and YP cadet Jay Ganglani |
Published: 
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Our local cricketers are winding up for the Twenty20 Blitz.

While local and international cricket stars preparing for Hong Kong’s inaugural professional Twenty20 Blitz at Mission Road from May 27-29, two young cricketers, Awais Mohammad and Tanveer Ahmed, told Young Post that they are keen to showcase their talents and make an impact at the tournament.

Awais Mohammad is hoping to hit his way to victory.
Photo: Hong Kong Cricket Association

Awais Mohammad, 19, from Caritas Tuen Mun Marden Foundation Secondary School, is a right-handed middle-order batsmen and right-arm fast-medium bowler.

“My strength is my batting. I play a wide array of strokes which can intimidate opponents and brings me a lot of runs. I look up to Pakistan’s Umar Akmal and South Africa’s A. B. de Villiers who are wonderful batsmen,” he said.

Awais scored 189 runs off 78 balls against Island School in the Secondary School Cricket Senior League on November 26 last year. It’s an amazing score in any standard of T20 cricket. He hopes to improve on that performance at the Twenty20 Blitz, Awais said. He will play for Lantau Galaxy Riders at this month’s showpiece competition.

Bench Notes

YP: If you could have any superpower for 24 hours, what would you choose and how would you use it?

Awais: Flying. It feels good to fly. Seeing things from above seems interesting, too.

If you could have an unlimited supply of anything, what would it be and why?

Vegetables and mango juice , because they are healthy and essential to athletes.

Ten years into the future, you are a famous cricketer. What company would you sign on as a spokesperson for, and what product would you promote?

Nike. I would like to promote cricket equipment made by this famous company.

Tanveer Ahmed, 18, from Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo), will line up for Kowloon Cantons at the T20 Blitz. He is a right-arm fast bowler. He said his strength is bowling yorkers – the delivery which is aimed at a batsman’s toes – which helps to keep the runs down. A fast yorker with different variations (for example, inswing or away swing) can be a difficult ball to score.

Tanveer Ahmed loves his yorkers.
Photo: Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo)

Tanveer also revealed some of his tactics. “When a batsman is playing very well, I will bowl a slower ball to try to get him out. If he fails to connect properly, he may send a catch to a close-in fielder,” he said.

His favourite athlete is South African cricketer Hashim Amla. “He never rushes to play a shot. I have learned the cut shot from him. When he gets a bowl outside off stump, he will hit a four most of the time. His patience, perseverance and passion offers a valuable insight into his character.”

Tanveer was named the 2013-14 HKCA Under-16 League Player of the Year. He plays for United Services Recreation Club in the ACC Under-19 Premier League.

Bench notes

YP: What movie title best describes you when you’re playing your sport?

Tanveer: Bollywood movie Lagaan. It is about an Indian cricket team who defeats a powerful British team. It taught me about the importance of courage which can help shift the momentum during a game.

Ten years into the future, you are a famous athlete. What company would you sign on as spokesperson for, and what product would you promote?

Kookaburra. The company’s cricket balls are superb, and can help bowlers.

What drink would you never give up?

Mango juice, because it’s mellow, sugary and fresh.

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