Ahead of Friday’s crucial third T20I against New Zealand, Pakistan’s head coach Aqib Javed hinted at making one or two changes to the squad for the must-win game in Auckland.
Despite losing the first two matches, Javed remains optimistic about his team's prospects and believes the changes will strengthen their chances.
Speaking to the media, Javed emphasised that the primary focus remains on building a strong squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.
He noted that playing in challenging conditions like those in New Zealand will better prepare the team for the high-pressure tournaments later this year in the subcontinent.
"The team is young, but we are here to win the series. Our performances are improving, and we will fight back in Auckland," Javed stated, expressing confidence despite the setbacks in the earlier matches.
He acknowledged the difficulties of adapting to foreign conditions but stressed that integrating young players into such environments is crucial for long-term success. "People want immediate results, and so do we. We will try to make a strong comeback in the third match."
Javed also pointed out that Pakistan’s T20 setup has lagged behind other teams in recent years, as most top cricketing nations have developed specialized T20 squads.
"We are working towards that as well," he said, adding that the inclusion of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman could provide the team with a more balanced combination. "Pakistan will succeed in building a strong team for the Asia Cup and World Cup," he asserted.
On individual performances, Javed dismissed the hype around hitting multiple sixes in T20 cricket and turned his attention to Shaheen Afridi’s recent struggles. "Shaheen started brilliantly, but injuries have affected his game. He needs to elevate his performance," he remarked.
The team also took part in training once they landed in Auckland on Thursday.
With Pakistan aiming for redemption in the third T20I, all eyes will be on the team’s adjustments as they seek to keep the series alive.
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