Ahead of second T20I: Pakistan expect tough New Zealand fightback

Afridi hopes players can maintain same level of energy as first T20I on Sunday

KARACHI:

After securing victory in the first T20I, the Men in Green, according to head coach Waqar Younis, are expecting hosts New Zealand to come at them hard in the second match, which is scheduled to be played in Hamilton on Sunday.

The high-flying New Zealand side was brought down by Pakistan’s rejuvenated bowling attack which welcomed back the likes of Mohammad Amir, Umar Gul and Immad Wasim.

Chasing a target of 172, the Kiwis were motoring along with skipper Kane Williamson and Colin Munro, producing an 80-run second-wicket stand, before Pakistan claimed Munro’s wicket to eventually make way towards their 16-run win.



“The next match is more important for us as it isn’t easy playing New Zealand in their own backyard,” said Waqar. “It was a good day for us in the first match [considering] our losses against England in the last series. However, we need to remain focused on the task ahead.”

The head coach stated that Shahid Afridi led from the front in the first T20I which brought a different energy to the side and spurred it to victory.

“Afridi was everywhere in the first match — batting, bowling, fielding — it was his day and he led from the front. Whenever the skipper does well, the energy level of the team is different.”



Waqar also pointed out that the opening stand upfront provided a good platform for the following batsmen to build upon and praised the start provided by Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmad Shehzad.

Pakistan are expected to retain the winning team for the second T20I, with the forecast of rain and clouds hovering over them.

Meanwhile, skipper Afridi said he was pleased with the players’ efforts in the first match and hopes they can maintain the same level of energy in the games ahead as well.



“Winning and losing doesn’t matter to me if all the players are giving their best. We won the first match through team effort; everyone contributed in the cause,” he said.

“I would say Hafeez was outstanding in the first T20I as his innings really allowed the team to achieve the target. Others who came in later chipped in with quick knocks and we were able to progress according to the plan.”

Reflecting on the first match when Colin Munro was hitting the Pakistani bowlers hard, Afridi said that everyone kept their nerves in check and were thus able to defend the total. “The body language of all the players was great and they fought as a team despite Munro and Williamson going strong at one stage. It’s that belief which is going to win you matches,” he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2016.

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