England\'s thorn Shahzad picks out Finn as team\'s top bowler

Afghanistan batsman Mohammad Shahzad backed Steven Finn as the pick of England\'s bowlers after impressing in both innings when playing against the world\'s No 1 Test side for the ICC Associate & Affiliate XI here this week. Despite hailing from a war-torn country and rarely getting the chance to face top-class bowlers, the 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman scored half-centuries in both innings against England at Dubai Sports City. Shahzad, who averages more than 43 from his 16 One Day International appearances, hit 51 in the first innings before looking set for a century in the second, only to fall for 74 to part-time spinner Kevin Pietersen when looking to increase his scoring rate. Despite facing the likes of first team regulars Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, it was fringe player Finn who impressed Shahzad the most. \"I felt Steven Finn was the best. Stuart Broad too bowled really well. It is important that we affiliate and associate nation players get to play such top class bowlers. It can add to our confidence,\" Shahzad told Gulf News. \"I am delighted with both my knocks, which were very pleasing. I was very nervous in the first innings because I had only seen their bowlers till then only on television. After I scored my half-century in the first innings I felt very confident and that is why I played very aggressively in the second innings. \"I was very disappointed that I could not hit a century. It would have been great to hit a century against such a great team. However, my captain and coach had told me that they had plans to declare the innings and so I had to play quickly. \"In the process, I went for my shots and gave a catch, but I am so pleased to have scored so many runs against the No 1 team in the world.\" Shahzad also took five catches in the match as he proved himself a very capable keeper. When asked which was the best among his catches, Shahzad said: \"I think the catch I took of (Kevin) Pietersen was the best. I had to dive to the slip to take that catch.\" Shahzad is now looking forward to the February 10 one-day match between his country and Pakistan. \"We will have 15 days\' practice before the match and we will try and beat Pakistan,\" said Shahzad.