Sarfraz optimistic to show better results in Zimbabwe

28 Jun, 2018

Terming the T20 Triangular series in Zimbabwe 'tough', Pakistan Cricket team skipper, Sarfraz Ahmad on Wednesday said boys are geared up to play quality cricket to show positive results. Talking to media here at the Qadhafi Stadium on the last day of short duration camp, to prepare the team for the tour of Zimbabwe, Sarfraz said the team picked for the upcoming series is well rounded, and will be boosted by the return of Shah, who was sidelined by a hip bone injury earlier this year.
"Toss will be an important part of the match. There will be pressure in the series, but I have told the boys to play their natural game," he said, adding: "Team Pakistan has good bowlers with match-winning capabilities."
Pakistan cricket team will feature in a T20 triangular series involving host Zimbabwe and Australia from July 1 to 8. Pakistan cricket team will also play a five match series against Zimbabwe from July 13.
Sarfraz expressed his resolve to lead the team to success in the tour of Zimbabwe banking upon the talent of the young players and relying on the expertise of the experienced players. "Our team is well prepared for both the outings and good quality cricket will be witnessed in triangular and one day series," he said.
He further said that spinner Yasir Shah's return in the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe would be beneficial for the team. "We would utilise Mohammad Hafeez to his full potential as an opener as well as a spinner," he said.
About his own performance, Sarfraz said he has been working on his batting and is optimistic to perform well. "As a skipper I always remain under pressure but try his best to win matches with his batting and will continue to bat at number four in the upcoming T20 matches," he added.
He also said he is looking forward to playing Australia with the hope the games against them turn out to be nail-biting encounters. "Australia is a strong side and a tough opponent to beat in T20 cricket as its even new players are very much accustomed with the shortest version of the game and we also will not be taking the hosts Zimbabwe easy," he said, adding: "We are the number one side in T20 and considering this aspect we will not be taking any pressure in the triangular series."
To a question he said in his so far cricket career he has visited Zimbabwe twice and found different types of wickets prepared during these trips.
Answering another question, Sarfraz said Kamran Akmal is performing outstandingly in the domestic cricket but Muhammad Hafeez was given preference over him on the basis of presence of six left handers in the Australian side to benefit from his bowling and to open the innings with Fakhar Zaman.
He also supported the statement of veteran all rounder Shoaib Malik that unity is the main factor in team's success and it also helps in elevating its performance.

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