"I usually come late in the order, but today I was a given an opportunity to bat up the order and I scored a hundred." © AFP

With the World Cup looming, most of the teams participating have a fair idea of what their squad is going to be for the showpiece event.

In the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan are trying out their bench strength and few of their players have notched up some impressive performances so far. In the two ODIs played, the hosts have posted competitive totals while batting first in Sharjah. All-rounder Haris Sohail brought up a well compiled century in the first match while young Mohammad Rizwan scored his maiden ODI ton in the second match of the bilateral series.

Aaron Finch's back-to-back centuries nullified both these knocks but Pakistan at least have their batting sorted going into the World Cup. Pakistan's recent track record in England is decent with them also winning the Champions Trophy in 2017. Looking at players like Rizwan stepping up with the World Cup around the corner, the Men in Green can now entertain thoughts of making it to the knockouts of the grand event in England.

Talking about his maiden century in the 50-over format after the second ODI, Rizwan said, "I think I played 21 out of 25 matches as a fielder or batsman. It was a matter of opportunity, so it came and I performed."

In two consecutive matches, Australia have chased a target of 280 or more and Rizwan reckons that Pakistan were 15-20 runs short on both occasions. "I think we were 15-20 runs short. Our team is doing their best effort, and it took Australia 48 overs to chase, so in the next match we will score these additional 15-20 runs," added Rizwan.

"We are using the bench-strength players, because if they do well then they will find suitable players for the World Cup. So, it's a test for the players. The side comprises relatively inexperienced international players but an opportunity to learn and come good."

Scoring a century in any format is a special feeling altogether and it took Rizwan as many as 29 ODIs to notch up his maiden ODI hundred. "As a batsman, you always feel happy whenever you score a hundred. I usually come late in the order, but today I was a given an opportunity to bat up the order and I scored a hundred. I am very happy. But, if you score 115 and the team does not win, then it doesn't look nice," said Rizwan.

Though Rizwan's century came in a losing cause, Pakistan can take a lot of positives from the two ODIs they've played so far in the series. With youngsters contributing against a quality team like Australia, it's one of the best possible outcomes for Pakistan taking into consideration their preparations for World Cup 2019.