Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, expressed his delight that New Zealand would host his team in the tri-series before the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, noting that it would assist his team to prepare for the marquee event later this year.
Last year's ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE saw Pakistan emerge as one of the favorites as they advanced to the semifinals thanks to some outstanding league-phase performances from players like Babar and pace bowler Shaheen Afridi, among others. However, they were ousted after a thrilling semifinal match against Australia.
This time, though, they will have the chance to participate in a tri-series in New Zealand, which Azam thinks will help them get ready for the T20 World Cup that will take place in Australia in October and November of this year.
“I am pleased that we will be featuring in the tri-series in New Zealand as it will help us to arrive early and not only acclimatize for the T20 World Cup in Australia but also give final touches to our preparations," said Azam on Tuesday (June 28).
“I missed the last series in New Zealand due to a thumb injury and look forward to playing cricket in Christchurch against two good oppositions," he added.
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In early October, Pakistan will compete in a tri-series alongside Bangladesh as the third team to wrap off their preparations for the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup this year.
Prior to their T20 World Cup opener against arch-rivals India at the MCG on October 23, the ‘Men in Green’ will fly to New Zealand at the beginning of October for at least four T20 International matches in Christchurch.
After missing Pakistan's 2020/21 tour due to a thumb injury, Babar hasn’t played an international T20 match on New Zealand soil since the beginning of 2018.
Tri-series schedule:
Oct 8 - New Zealand v Bangladesh, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Oct 9 - Pakistan v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Oct 10 - Bangladesh v Pakistan, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Oct 11 - New Zealand v Bangladesh, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Oct 12 - Bangladesh v Pakistan, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Oct 13 - New Zealand v Pakistan, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Oct 14 - Final, Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
(IANS INPUTS)
