New Zealand keen to break title jinx, says Phillips

ISLAMABAD: Michael Bracewell termed the Tri-Series Cricket as a huge opportunity for New Zealand team to get into the top groove ahead of the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand made their intention clear by cantering home against Pakistan in the series opener on Saturday with a special performance from Bracewell (2-41) and Glenn Phillips (106 not out).

“New Zealand are lucky to play in such an event so close to the Champions Trophy. Tri-series will help us marshal our resources for the Trophy. We will make the best of the opportunity coming our way.”

Bracewell feels that Fakhar is a dangerous player and one of the best picks from the Pakistan side. “He has been scoring consistently against New Zealand in the past and is a dangerous customer. When we are to take on Pakistan in the opening match of the Champions Trophy on February 19, we would like to take his wicket early.”

Bracewell hoped to utilize his previous experience. “I have toured Pakistan many times in the recent past and know the conditions well. I hope to utilize my experience in the best interest of the team.” The New Zealand all-rounder believed his team was ready for the big event in every respect.

“We have cricketers for every condition and situation. Hopefully, on the given day they will prove their worth by contributing to the cause. Be it a spin department of pace, well-calculated innings, or powerful striking abilities, we have cricketers for every situation.”

Glenn Phillips saw no extraordinary mystery in Abrar Ahmad’s bowling. “We have played the dangerous mystery spinners in Mujeeb and Rashid. Playing against them helped us in the past and we are ready for every spinner expected to play in the Champions Trophy. Abrar though is good but not as dangerous as others are around the world,” he said.

Phillips worked hard on his fitness which he believed was a requirement for an international athlete. “Though in cricket, you do not need extraordinary fitness, yet in modern-day cricket, it has become a requirement. You have to be fit and ready as fitness plays a key role in cricketers’ performance.”

Phillips feels that the time has come for the New Zealand team to break the title jinx. “Since our last win in the Champions Trophy held in Kenya, we have come so close to winning the ICC titles. I think the time has come to break the jinx. We hope when it comes to the knockout stage, we will be in a better position to play our best cricket.”