Sports Desk Rawalpindi
Hasan Ali insists that Pakistan have to showcase their top game to prevail over New Zealand when the two sides start the three-match One-day International series in Rawalpindi from Friday.
The pace bowler warned his team-mates not to take seriously the status of the New Zealand squad, who are missing several first-choice stars, including captain Kane Williamson as well as the senior pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult. “I think nobody would want to underestimate this New Zealand side.
They certainly have the potential to compete well against us,” right-armer Hasan told a virtual news presser before Pakistan’s training session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
“Obviously they are coming into this ODI series on the back of their Bangladesh tour. The players had the experience of playing in dry conditions [of Dhaka].
“My philosophy is always that one should never disregard any opposition because in my book in every give match the [competing] teams are on equal footing when they cross the boundary [of the playing field].
Therefore, I believe New Zealand are capable of giving Pakistan a close run for their money,” the Mandi Bahauddin-born Hasan added.
Hasan, who had been through a start-stop-start sort of run in international cricket because of fitness issues in recent months, pledged he will emerge as an all-round cricketer and will continue to work hard on his batting.
“My desire is to be a useful batter down the order because batting is one area I really love in the few opportunities I had. I’m giving added focus on batting nowadays,” the 27-year-old said.
