Babar-led Pakistan gears up for training ahead of New Zealand T20I Series

Babar-led Pakistan gears up for training ahead of New Zealand T20I Series

 

New Zealand team arrives in Pakistan for crucial T20 Series

By our correspondent

The New Zealand cricket team touched down in Islamabad during the early hours of Sunday, gearing up for a high-stakes five-match T20 series against the Pakistani squad. The arrival marks the commencement of an eagerly awaited series, set to kick off on April 18 at Rawalpindi.

In a warm gesture, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) extended a hearty welcome to the Black Caps, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two cricketing nations. The PCB shared a video capturing the squad's arrival in Islamabad, signaling the beginning of a thrilling cricketing showdown.

The series holds immense significance for both teams as they fine-tune their strategies and assess their squads ahead of the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, slated to commence on June 1. With the global tournament looming large, every match in the series assumes heightened importance, offering valuable insights into team dynamics and individual performances.

Led by seasoned campaigner Babar Azam, the Pakistani side boasts a blend of experience and promising talent, with the inclusion of fast bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, among others. The squad, comprising 17 members, is poised to deliver spirited performances and set the stage alight with their cricketing prowess.

As Pakistan braces for an intense showdown against New Zealand in the upcoming five-match T20I series, the Babar Azam-inspired national squad is set to kickstart its training regimen on April 15 in preparation for the highly anticipated contest.

Scheduled to commence on April 18 at the iconic Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, the series promises thrilling cricketing action as both teams gear up to showcase their prowess on the field.

The Pakistan squad, under the leadership of Babar Azam, is slated to convene in Islamabad on April 14, marking the beginning of their training journey ahead of the series opener.

In a recent development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the head coach for the national team, further enhancing the team's coaching staff for the crucial series against New Zealand.

Azhar Mahmood brings a wealth of experience to the coaching role, having previously served as the bowling coach of the Pakistan national cricket team from 2016 to 2019. His extensive coaching background includes a pivotal role with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he played an instrumental role in the team's success.

With a notable career spanning county cricket and franchise leagues worldwide, Mahmood's expertise adds a valuable dimension to Pakistan's coaching setup as they prepare to face the Kiwi challenge.

As the countdown to the T20I series begins, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team remains focused and determined to deliver a stellar performance on home turf, aiming to clinch victory against New Zealand in what promises to be an exhilarating cricketing spectacle.

However, the New Zealand camp faced setbacks on the eve of departure, as key players Finn Allen and Adam Milne sustained injuries during the final stages of their training sessions. The duo's absence from the squad paved the way for the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell and all-rounder Zak Foulkes, who have been tasked with filling the void left by their injured counterparts.

Despite the challenges posed by injuries and player availability, the New Zealand contingent remains undeterred in their quest for victory. With the likes of Trent Boult, Devon Conway, and Lockie Ferguson engrossed in IPL commitments, the team has rallied behind its core group of players, poised to showcase their mettle on the international stage.

As the cricketing action unfolds in Rawalpindi and beyond, fans across the globe eagerly anticipate a thrilling contest between two formidable sides. With high stakes and intense competition on the horizon, the stage is set for an exhilarating spectacle, promising moments of skill, drama, and sheer cricketing brilliance.

Squads:

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell (WK), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke*, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi

Staff members; Simon Insley (Manager), Matt Long (S&C), Gary Stead (Head Coach), Luke Ronchi (Batting Coach), James Foster (assistant coach), Brendon Donkers (Bowling Coach), Pat McHugh (Doctor), Gavin Cross (Physio), Terry Minish (Security).

 

Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule

April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi

 

April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi

 

April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi

 

April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore

 

April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore