They are to test bench strength, says Babar

By our correspondent
LAHORE: Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam has said that their main plan is to test the bench strength and give chance to everyone so that they could reach to a specific combination for the ICC T20 World Cup which will be hosted by the US and West Indies this June.
“Our plan is to test everyone so that we could reach to a certain combination and when we go to the World Cup so that we could mentally become clear,” Babar said after Pakistan lost their fourth T20I against New Zealand by just four runs here at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Pakistan are 2-1 down in the five-match series with the last one is set to be conducted here at the same venue on Saturday (today).
Babar said that 179 was chasable but early wickets loss dented their chances.
“It was a chasable target but we faced early hiccups in batting as we lost four quick wickets and that created problem. Fakhar played an outstanding innings but the thing is that it was a positive intent, although, unfortunately we could not finish,” Babar said.
“Imad also did well. When you lose quick wickets, you need time to settle down,” Babar was quick to add.
Babar praised Pakistan’s comeback in bowling.
“I think in bowling we had done well as the way they had started brightly and we were expecting 190 to 200 from them but the way bowlers bowled as per plans in the end was fantastic,” Babar said.
“It was a different pitch and it seemed that 180 would be scored. It was chasable as I said earlier. You know we also lacked experience in bowling and the changes we had made due to injuries and youngsters did put in their best,’ he said.
“We wanted to give opportunity to the bench strength. We have also given opportunities to Usman Khan as these are his debut matches and unfortunately Irfan Khan got unfit,” the skipper said.