New Zealand batter Martin Guptill on Friday (October 8) said that the Black Caps were really disappointed that their white-ball series in Pakistan was called off, as they were looking to have some game time before the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, starting on October 17 in the UAE.

The Blackcaps abandoned their white-ball tour of Pakistan minutes before the toss of the opening game after the New Zealand government revealed a security threat to the team last month.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Guptill said: “I guess it was disappointing for everyone involved. We were all looking forward to playing some cricket and getting a bit of game-time before the World Cup and that wasn't to be.”

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He added, “I know Pakistan is really looking forward to having some cricket back in their home country. We're all hoping that there's going to be cricket there again soon.”

New Zealand will now open their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign against Pakistan in Sharjah on October 26 and Guptill said it is going to be a tough contest, considering Men in Green’s bowling strength on sluggish UAE wickets, though, he said the Kiwis are looking forward to the challenge.

He signed off by saying, “I think [it's] like any game against Pakistan, they're a tough opponent and in these conditions, it's going to be pretty tough again. We're going to have to be on our A-game and bring it to them and not take a backward step, just like every other game that we play. It's going to be a tough game, I'm not going to lie, but we're going to prepare well and look forward to that game.”

(With ANI Inputs)