Pakistan is scheduled to tour South Africa for three-match ODI series followed by a four-match T20I series. With the ODI series beginning on Friday (2 April) at Centurion, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam says that the team will adopt a “modern-day” approach in the series.

“We are trying to play 'modern-day cricket' for the upcoming event. We will try to gain the necessary points through the series against South Africa. We will start strong. If our finishers fire, we can reach a total above 300,” Azam said in a virtual press conference.

The right-hand batsman also went on to add that as the team has not played a lot of ODIs since the 2019 World Cup in England, it will be a fresh start for their side.

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“The key to getting 300 plus scores is finishing with a flurry in our innings. We haven't played a lot of ODIs since the World Cup so we are also making a fresh start with a modern-day approach.”

Babar then went on to talk about the importance of the contribution from the batting unit as he said, “Contributions from the top four are always vital. We will also have to rotate the strike. Fakhar Zaman, Imamul Haq, and Mohammad Rizwan are in great form and we will see the difference.”

While the pacer Hasan Ali and former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed are back to 100 percent fitness, Babar made it clear that the playing XI will be decided based on the conditions.

“We will decide the playing XI after looking at the pitch. Every player has a particular role in the team so we will put out a balanced combination,” the 26-year-old said.

(With PTI inputs)