Kamran Akmal is yet to impress national team coach Mickey Arthur

Despite scorching innings against Karachi Kings in the Eliminator two of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Gaddafi Stadium, Kamran Akmal has to do plenty to earn accolades.

Pertinently, the aggressive opening batsman Kamran has been giving his best for the PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi.

The wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran had a significant outing with the bat so far. In the ongoing edition of the domestic professional league, he gave a decent start to Zalmi side before eyeing to retain the title.

However, Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur’s perception is yet to change regarding the 36-year-old Lahore-based batter.

“Kamran Akmal played very well [but] to play international cricket, you’ve got to do well in three different disciplines,” Arthur said in the post-match briefing.

While ruing the injuries in the camp, Arthur has further praised Kamran for his batting capability. He innings was a major difference in the rain-curtailed game which Zalmi won by 13 runs.

“I think we were ravaged by injuries. The injuries to Afridi and Imad are massive. He [Kamran] has batted outstandingly and is a really good batsman,” Arthur said of Kamran.

On the other hand, fast-bowler Mohammed Amir-led Kings in the absence of Imad Wasim in the do-or-die clash in Lahore.

The right-handed batsman Kamran smashed a hundred in this season against depleted-looking Lahore Qalandars in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leg.

However, in the virtual semifinal, Kamran rose to the occasion to smash 27-ball 77. His remarkable innings included eight sixes and five fours.

Simultaneously, Making most of the opportunity at the top, Kamran cleared the front-leg to dispatch the ball right into the stands. He registered the three-figure mark for the first wicket against Karachi Kings in Lahore on March 21.

On the other side, Kings has been guided by Arthur. The South African believes Kamran Akmal is supposed to do well while referring his glovework.

In the recent past, Kamran’s wicketkeeping has drawn the ire. It further affected his batting ability before being sidelined from the national fold.

“The same thing as last time, where does he field? Sarfraz is the keeper. He was poor in the field in West Indies and I’m not sure too much has changed,” Arthur questions.

The blistering knock from Kamran has helped his side to qualify for the grand finale. The Darren Sammy-led side will face off Islamabad United at National Stadium in Karachi on March 25.

Having the massive experience on his back, Kamran has dictated his terms with the bat. He had already featured in 157 One-day Internationals, 58 Twenty20 Internationals and 53 Tests for Pakistan.

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