Azhar hopes to form competitive squad before T20 World Cup

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan head coach for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand Azhar Mehmood has pinned high hopes on the fresh-looking national team, expressing his confidence that the unit will be a power to be reckoned with during the forthcoming T20 World Cup.

Talking to the media on Tuesday just before start of the training session here at the Pindi Stadium, Azhar said Pakistan have yet to win a world-level cricketing event following the victory in 2017 Champions Trophy.

“The selected team and the probables are a talented unit having all the credentials to make an impressive display in the June World Cup.” He termed the return of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir as a big boost to the side.

“Their inclusion in the team has strengthened the all-round capability of the unit. Whatever the weakness was there, the pair’s return filled that gaps and made the team even stronger.” He hoped to form a competitive final touring squad before the start of the T20 World Cup.

“We have twelve matches ahead of the start of the World Cup. By the time we play our first World Cup match on June 6 in Dallas, I am confident the team would give a true competitive look with all corners covered.”

The former Pakistan all-rounder who struck a Test hundred on his debut against South Africa at the Pindi Stadium almost 26 years back, rated Pakistan’s top-order as very strong. “Pakistan’s top-order has got all the quality to give a blistering start to the team. We have a very few weaknesses remaining which could be removed before start of the Word Cup. We have started our plans as to how to get the best out of each player and how to make the best use of the talent we have at our disposal.”

Azhar rated New Zealand a good combination having vast domestic cricket experience and exposure. “There is no weak team in T20 cricket. Though this New Zealand team is missing some key players even then they are a very good side considering their domestic and international league performances. I hope that the visiting team will provide the best competition to the host country’s outfit that is beaming with confidence.”

The head coach also hinted at resting some key players. “Any player even captain Babar Azam could be rested during the series. It all depends on the requirements and coaches’ thinking as to what is the best combination for that particular match keeping an eye on the World Cup T20 preparations.”

On the team’s combination for the series opener on Thursday, Azhar said that two spinners could be included in the playing XI. “Weather could be tricky during three matches to be played here. Chances are there that we could go with two specialist spinners.”

He rated all-rounder Aamer Jamal as very high. “He is a talented cricketer. I like his approach and the confidence that he shows on the field.” On the team’s combination for the opening match and on the question as to whether Shaheen Shah Afridi would be made sit on the sidelines, he said no such decision has been taken so far. “We will finalize the team considering the weather and other related factors.”