Pakistan batter Azan Awais says he went back to the middle with a clear goal after a nasty blow from Nahid Rana on the second day of the opening Test in a two-match series. Resuming Day 3 on 85, Awais went on to register his maiden Test century and framed the moment as him keeping a promise to himself after the bouncer struck his helmet.
At a glance
- Azan Awais was hit on the head by Nahid Rana during the second day of the opening Test.
- He resumed Day 3 on 85 and reached his maiden Test hundred.
- Awais said he had a brief period of disorientation after the ball hit his helmet.
- He credited partners—especially Imam-ul-Haq—for confidence during the innings.
- Awais highlighted his domestic record, including 10 centuries in 33 first-class matches.
- He said he felt ready to bat on a green pitch like the one expected in Mirpur.
- He described his celebration as calm and credited family and multiple coaches for his development.
Speaking after play on the third day, Awais explained that the start of his innings brought nerves. “On my first ball I was a little bit anxious,” he said, adding that once he got off the mark, the pressure eased and the frustration drained away.
He noted that he faced 13 deliveries before the impact, but once that moment passed, he settled quickly. Awais said he then took charge of the Bangladeshi bowling attack, particularly after he saw their bowling line and length become inconsistent.
When asked about the instant of contact, Awais said he “zoned out” for roughly five minutes after the ball hit his helmet. After that short break in focus, he felt it was time to respond and prove his ability, especially once he was back in his batting routine.
He also admitted he was slightly uneasy when walking out to bat, but emphasized that he delivered for his country. Awais pointed to the role played by his batting partners, with Imam-ul-Haq singled out for the confidence and guidance he offered in the middle.
“They gave me confidence throughout the innings, and we built strong partnerships,” Awais said. He added that Imam bhai, in particular, shared experience and helped them stay connected as the stand grew, allowing Pakistan to maintain momentum.
Domestic form and Test preparation
Awais linked his readiness for Test cricket to a heavy workload in domestic cricket over the preceding period. He said he had played 33 first-class matches in the last one and a half years and felt his recent performances gave him the belief to excel at international level.
He described Test cricket as a long-held ambition and said that during a training camp he was given an opportunity to step into the environment. “Inshallah, my dream was coming true,” he said, explaining that the chance helped him realize his goal.
On the challenges of Test batting, Awais stressed that bowlers arrive with a specific plan aimed at dismissing batters. He said the key is to absorb that pressure, work through the tactics, and still find a way to score.
He also reflected on how international cricket involves close planning to get a batter out, but said his domestic success helped him carry confidence into the Test arena. In his view, that domestic groundwork made the transition smoother even with the more structured bowling at this level.
Awais further said he was prepared for conditions on a green top, referencing the kind of surface seen in Mirpur. He said that in domestic cricket he had faced a variety of tracks, including pitches where heavy dew played a role, which helped him understand how to adapt his game on a green wicket.
While acknowledging that the first international match comes with understandable pressure, he said he managed to absorb it and perform at his best for the team. He maintained that he delivered with clarity once he found his rhythm.
Celebration, family and coaching
Awais, known for keeping his emotions in check, celebrated loudly after reaching his hundred. He explained that it was his first Test century and that, despite being usually calm, the milestone felt “highly blessed,” which shaped how he reacted.
He said his family was especially pleased because they had supported him through the years. According to Awais, the happiness was mutual—he described the moment as one he was incredibly glad to share with them.
He also detailed the coaching journey behind his rise. He credited his father for early guidance and said he later found a coach in Mansoor Amjad, while continuing to work with different mentors at different stages of his development.
Awais added that he also trained with Mohammad Yousuf bhai and spent time linked with the SNGPL department. He concluded by saying that wherever he went, he met coaches who refined his technique, and he expressed gratitude to all of them for their contribution to his progress.
