Left-handed opening batsman Wasim Akram Haslim has expressed great enjoyment after completing his inaugural stint in the Canada Cricket League, having chalked up in excess of 1000 runs.
The Georgetown Cricket Club member commenced his stint in May and concluded it two Sundays ago with 1,131 runs from 23 games, averaging a remarkable 89.34. The occasional off-spinner also captured 27 wickets.
Haslim has high hopes of donning the national colours at the senior level.
Prior to his sojourn in Canada, the 23-year-old Haslim was also successful in the Trinidad and Tobago league, accumulating 159 runs from six matches.
The highlight of Haslim’s tour of Canada was a scintillating 159 not out for Overseas Cricket Club (OCC) in the game’s shortest version (T20). It was a record- breaking innings since the inception of T20 cricket competition in Canada several years ago.
Haslim represented Demerara at the senior inter-county level in the limited overs’ version of the game, and he now feels he can make a big impression for his country.
“I really enjoyed my first tour of Canada. The cricket [is] very competitive and I think I have also learnt a lot by playing among international cricketers and also in a new environment and different atmosphere,” Haslim declared.
He continued: “I want to represent my country at the highest level, and I think I have the ability to do it sooner rather than later. I just want to keep improving my skills and techniques as a batsman, and more importantly, producing runs on a consistent basis.”
The youngster, known for his flamboyance in the softball arena, is anticipating another good run next year, both in Trinidad and Canada.
“I will be heading back to T&T early next year, and then Canada, because I just love playing cricket in different territories. I have a strong ambition to play for Guyana and I am confident of making that a reality. Playing for my club at home competitively will also be helpful to gain selection for Guyana,” Haslim reckoned.
One of his GCC teammates, Trevor Henry, is also representing OCC, and Haslim mentioned that Henry played a supportive role in his memorable innings, scoring 49 and participating in a 179- run fourth-wicket stand.
“We have several Guyanese cricketers playing in this league, while other cricketers from the Caribbean [are] also making a good name up here. And that [is] what really makes the cricket more competitive,” Haslim reasoned.
Haslim’s first overseas assignment was in 2008, when he played in the Scottish League.
Haslim was a Guyana Under-19 reserve player in 2006, and also represented the University of Guyana in inter-collegiate regional cricket. He was also a selectee for the Combined Colleges and Campuses three years ago.
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