Pakistani Skipper Babar Azam believed the five-match T20I series against New Zealand holds great importance as part of preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 later this year.
Speaking at the pre-series media conferences at the Pindi Stadium Rawalpindi on Wednesday Babar Azam said, “This five-match T20I series holds a lot of importance for us as we look forward to preparing for the all-important mega-event. We had a great fitness camp in Kakul and are looking forward to express ourselves as unit. “New Zealand will challenge us at different points in the series, serving as a fine work out for the Pakistan side. The prospect of having a blend of youth and experience in the side excites me as a leader.”
Meanwhile New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell said, “I’m proud to be leading the team on this tour. We’ll look to play entertaining cricket as a side and take the game forward. Most of the players in our squad have played a lot of T20 Cricket growing up and they are very well equipped with the knowledge of this format. Pakistan are formidable side at home and we’ll look to put challenges in their backyard.” Pakistan would kick-off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 preparations on Thursday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium when they take on New Zealand in first of the five matches.—APP
