Pakistan look to end long drought with victory today

KARACHI: It’s been 2271 days that an international cricket math involving two Test nations was last played on Pakistani soil.
That’s a long wait. But it is going to be over this (Friday) evening when Pakistan will take on Zimbabwe in the opening Twenty20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Such is the overall significance of the match that there is a big change that cricket might take the back seat. After all, today’s game will end Pakistan’s isolation as a sporting destination.
But Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain, declared on Thursday that his players will keep their eyes on the ball as the hosts will go all out for a win in what will be their first international on home soil in more than six years.
Afridi is well aware of the fact that this is an important series for Pakistan. They recently suffered embarrassing results on a tour of Bangladesh and need a series of convincing wins against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe are historically poor travelers and lost every match on their most recent away trip to Bangladesh. They have not played any cricket since the World Cup but are hopeful of a new beginning under coach Dav Whatmore. They have a packed winter schedule and will hope to get off to a good start in Pakistan.
Without Saeed Ajmal or Umar Gul, the focus will be on Pakistan’s attack with Wahab Riaz at the helm. Bilawal Bhatti and Mohammad Sami are expected to assist with the pace duties while Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik will do the slow bowling. Mukhtar Ahmed should get the chance to establish himself as Ahmed Shehzad’s opening partner while Hafeez and Umar Akmal give Pakistan a strong top five.
Zimbabwe could welcome back all six of their comeback players with Charles Coventry likely to make an appearance in the middle-order, Richmond Mutumbami to take the gloves, Cremer to share slow-bowling duties with Sean Williams, and Mpofu and Brian Vitori competing with Tawanda Mupariwa and Tinashe Panyangara for the seamers’ spots. That may mean the only new cap in the squad, Roy Kaia, has to wait his turn for now.
Meanwhile, Afridi stressed on Thursday that he is not worried with his recent form in limited overs cricket and playing the first series against a Test side on Pakistani soil in six years would lift his game.
“I don’t worry about form because it happens with every player, the main thing is that I am looking ahead and I am confident I can contribute to the team,” he told reporters.
“It is gratifying that international cricket is finally returning to Pakistan and I hope other teams also follow Zimbabwe’s example and tour our country,” Afridi said.
The seasoned all-rounder appreciated the courage and spirit of the touring side saying they deserved kudos for undertaking the tour despite so much pressure.
He also spoke about the national T20 squad and insisted that Pakistan had plenty of talent.
“There is good talent in Pakistan and the selectors have announced a strong squad for this series. I don’t want to interfere in work of selection committee but I have given them my suggestions. My aim is that three months before the next T20 World Cup our combination should be final and no more experimentation.”
It is my ambition that I retire from all international cricket after winning the T20 World Cup in India and my aim is to prepare a strong side for that event.”
Afridi supported the comeback of senior players Malik and Sami.
“They have done a lot for Pakistan in the past and they are quite young to be called old players. They have been selected on the basis of their performance,” he said.