The New Zealand cricket team has landed in Lahore, Pakistan, for the limited-overs series consisting of five T20I and as many one-day internationals (ODIs) against the home side. The Kiwis, led by Tom Latham, will play their first match against Pakistan on April 14 in Lahore.
After resting for two days in Lahore, the New Zealand squad will take part in a training session on April 13 at the Gaddafi Stadium. The limited-overs series is expected to be a challenging one, with Pakistan being a world-class team and the conditions being quite different from those in New Zealand. However, the team is looking forward to playing good cricket and gaining experience.
Daryl Mitchell excited for New Zealand’s upcoming Pakistan series
Daryl Mitchell, the New Zealand all-rounder, expressed his excitement for the upcoming series in a video shared on the @Blackcaps official Twitter handle. Mitchell mentioned that they have some new faces in the squad and that playing in Pakistan won’t be easy due to the home conditions.
However, he also stated that they are excited to be back in Pakistan and it is always a pleasure to play there.
New Zealand cricket team’s arrival in Pakistan is significant as it is one of the most important visit by any major cricketing nation since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. The attack resulted in the death of six Pakistani policemen and injuries to several Sri Lankan cricketers.
Since then, Pakistan has played most of its home matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to security concerns. However, the situation has gradually improved, and Pakistan has been hosting limited-overs matches in the country in recent years. The current limited-overs series against New Zealand is a significant step towards reviving international cricket in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant efforts to ensure the safety and security of the New Zealand cricket team during their stay in Pakistan. The Kiwi players and officials have been provided with a comprehensive security plan, which includes a secure bio-bubble and a dedicated security force.
The PCB has also arranged for the New Zealand team to travel on a chartered flight, which will be escorted by a security convoy. The New Zealand team will be staying in a separate hotel from the Pakistan team, and strict COVID-19 protocols will be followed throughout their stay.
The limited-overs series between New Zealand and Pakistan is expected to be a closely contested one, with both teams having some top-class players in their ranks. Pakistan will be led by Babar Azam, who is currently the top-ranked batsman in the ICC ODI rankings. The home side will also be relying on the experience of senior players like Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Iftikhar Ahmed
On the other hand, New Zealand will be without some of their regular players, including, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson. However, they have a strong squad that includes some exciting young players like Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Kyle Jamieson.
The limited-overs series between New Zealand and Pakistan will not only be significant for the two teams but also for the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. The PCB has been working tirelessly to bring back international cricket to the country, and the successful hosting of this series will be a huge boost for their efforts.
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The arrival of the New Zealand cricket team in Pakistan for the limited-overs series is a significant step towards reviving international cricket in the country. The PCB has made significant efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Kiwi players and officials during their stay in Pakistan. The limited-overs series between the two sides is expected to be a closely contested one, with both teams having some top-class players in their ranks.
