Tri-series is crucial for World Cup preparations: Babar

Our Web Desk

CHRISTCHURCH: Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam on Thursday (today) said that the tri-series, involving Pakistan, New Zealand and  Bangladesh, is very important to prepare for the World Cup which will begin in Australia later this month.

“Its a good opportunity for us before the World Cup. Its very important series before the Word Cup as the conditions and weather here match the conditions of Australia,” Babar said.

“Here its cold and the same is there in Australia. There is a bounce in the wickets here and in Australia too there is little bit of bounce. And its good chance for us to play this series well and become ready for the World Cup,” Babar said.

“Against England our plan was to make rotation and check the bench strength and to see where we stand and with which combination we can go for the World Cup. We tried different combinations in both batting and bowling. In this series we will try to give chance to those players who will be expecting to be part of the global event combination,” Babar said.

“As I said earlier that conditions matter and the more you play in such conditions you will be able to know about it. I think it will help a lot before the World Cup,” Babar said.

He said that New Zealand is an experienced side and a good cricket would be seen in the series.

“In T20 cricket no team is easy and gives tough time. I think New Zealand have more experienced players in their squad. In fast bowling department they have Trent Boult and Tim Southee and in batting they have Kane Williamson. I think they have a very good combination and you will see a good cricket. In tri-series you play against two different teams and you have little time and you take quick decisions and to plan how to play according to the conditions,” he said.

Pakistan will open their journey in the series with the opener against Bangladesh on Friday (today).