T20 World Cup: Buoyed Pakistan out for revenge against New Zealand

Riding on
the highest of crests in years, a buoyed Pakistan will look to send a message
that they need to be taken seriously on and off the field when they take on New
Zealand in the T20 World Cup Super12 match in Sharjah on Tuesday.

The Kiwis
pulled out of their tour to Pakistan in September after landing in the country,
citing a security threat that the hosts said does not exist, in a big blow to
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Days later, England also followed suite and withdrew
from their tour to Pakistan citing security reasons, as a fuming PCB and former
Pakistan players charged Babar Azam and co to show they are not to be taken
lightly in the World Cup.

Thus, Pakistan
came into the showpiece with three big targets in mind, arch-rivals India,
England and New Zealand. The historic win against India on Sunday eased a pain
that Pakistan endured for nearly three decades, but the team has shown they are
ready to go all the way.

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“We
have not just come here to win against India, we have come here to win the
World Cup, always remember that,” Babar said after the match, fully aware
that excess celebrations would only disturb focus.

And the team
seemed like a well-oiled machine against India, not putting a foot wrong in a
performance impeccable in every aspect. Their batting, though not yet tested
fully, seems to have the firepower with Babar and Mohammad Rizwan doing a
sensational job at the top. And with veterans like Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad
Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, they will pose a threat to any bowling unit.

In the
bowling department, the spin troika of Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Hafeez kept
things tight while Shaheen Shah Afridi was sensational with the new ball and
New Zealand openers will have to watch out for his fast in-swinging yorkers.

New Zealand
have not had the best of build-ups to their campaign, having lost to Australia
and England in the warm-ups.

One of
their main concerns is the fitness of skipper Kane Williamson, who is battling
with elbow pain for a while now and head coach Gary Stead said the injury had
flared up a bit in the game against Australia.

Despite the
many concerns, they have a consistent record in ICC events and one can’t rule
them out for a place in the final four.