Ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand, Pakistan’s young batsman Haider Ali played down the absence of tearaway fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, saying it won’t make a big difference.

Ferguson was unavailable for selection for the three T20Is after scans revealed a bone stress injury on his lumbar spine.

The speedster was the Player-of-the-Series in the T20Is against West Indies last month, after taking seven wickets from three games.

"I don't think it is a big difference to us because we are preparing to face all their bowlers and we don't believe in focussing on any one particular bowler," Haider said during a media interaction.

"We give importance to all opposition bowlers be it Ferguson or anyone else. Sometimes it happens that the part-time bowlers take wickets instead of the main bowlers. It's not our mentality to focus on just one bowler," he added.

Haider, who is touted as Pakistan’s next batting superstar, said he is more concerned about his own game and keen to play longer innings for the national team.

"I am working on staying at the wicket for a longer period of time and not trying to hit the ball every delivery. I want to play longer innings and pace my innings accordingly."

Haider Ali admitted that the quarantine period tested the Pakistani players and officials in Christchurch.

"The quarantine period was not easy for us as we were forced to train in our rooms and couldn't have any nets or training for 14 or more straight days. At times it was disappointing and a bit frustrating."

"We are trying to best utilise the days available to us to prepare for the three T20 matches."

The T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will begin on December 18.

(With PTI inputs)