Wahab Riaz warns Kiwis of tough challenge

Bowler says Amir's return will take pressure off him

Pakistan left-arm fast-bowler Wahab Riaz on Tuesday warned New Zealand to expect a tougher challenge from Pakistan as compared to Sri Lanka who recently got thrashed in all formats.

“We will pose a tougher challenge to New Zealand than Sri Lanka did because we have more variety and experience in out pace attack," Riaz said.

"It seems like cricket is very easy these days for the New Zealand batsmen," the bowler added, while speaking to ESPNCricinfo. "They've been hitting balls really well. It's going to be a different challenge because we have much better bowlers than Sri Lanka. They lacked experience, but we have experience and some quality bowlers as well. It's not going to be easy for them to score runs against us.”



The 30-year-old said that he and his fellow fast-bowlers will come hard on the Kiwi batsmen. "We cannot sit back and see what they are doing,” said Wahab. “We will definitely attack, and let's see. If they can play good cricket - hats off to them."

Riaz went on to say that the inclusion of Muhammad Amir will help ease pressure on him as a bowler. "Amir is a great introduction to the team.”

"He's getting a chance. He's a great fast bowler - he's proved that in the past. It's time for him to prove here as well, again. And he will prove it. With him there's less pressure on me as a bowler, because I'm getting his support. Umar Gul is back and is doing really well. It's going to be a good combination for Pakistan," Riaz upheld.



Riaz, who was the part of the team when the men in green toured New Zealand last time, believes that the team can kick-off their bid for the World T20 by winning a series against a tough opposition on their home soil.

"We have some good memories here," he said. "We won the last series we played here in 2010, and the World Cup games we played here were very successful for us.

"It's a great preparation for the World T20. Winning here against the Black Caps could be a great confidence booster for the team. The way they are playing right now - if we get the series win here, it will be great for Pakistan cricket," he concluded.

This article originally appeared on ESPNCricInfo.