Pakistan seek Twenty20 success

Afridi wants winning start to tour with first match today.

KARACHI: Following back-to-back Twenty20 series losses, Pakistan are eyeing a change of fortunes, taking on New Zealand in the first match today.

The former World Twenty20 champions, considered one of the best sides to play the shortest format of international cricket, were beaten in their last two T20 series against England and South Africa but the aim, this time round, is to maintain their supremacy over the Kiwis ahead of the Test and One-Day International series.

“We will try to win the series this time but we will have to work hard for it as New Zealand are tough to play in their home conditions,” Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi told The Express Tribune from Auckland. “It is our first match of the series and we want a winning start to this important tour before the World Cup.”

Pakistan were stunned by Auckland in a warm-up T20 but the captain was hopeful of a better display from his team in the series. “We will be a different side in the series as all players are aiming to give their best.”

Pakistan manager Intikhab Alam, meanwhile, said that all the players were completely focused on the series and there were no discipline-related issues.

Probables

New Zealand: Jesse Ryder, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, James Franklin, Scott Styris, Nathan McCullum, Peter McGlashan, Kyle Mills, Ian Butler, Tim Southee

Pakistan: Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi, Younus Khan, Umar Akmal, Fawad Alam, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2010.