New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has backed Babar Azam, calling him one of the best players in the world, and expressing confidence that he can return to form.
At a news conference on Thursday, Williamson stated that, despite Babar’s recent setbacks, he sees Babar as a big challenge in the forthcoming five-match T20I series, which begins on January 12 in Auckland.
“Cricket comes with a full range of feeling and emotions and part of it is navigating each day and looking to improve. He is one of the best players in the world and I am sure he will be doing that and that doesn’t change overnight.”
In response to Pakistan’s recent 3-0 test series defeat to Australia, Williamson waved away the red-ball form, instead emphasizing Pakistan’s persistent supremacy in T20 cricket.
He sees New Zealand’s upcoming series against Pakistan as a terrific opportunity, reinforcing Pakistan’s status as one of the finest teams in the world. Reflecting on past confrontations, notably a tri-series prior to the last World Cup which Pakistan won, Williamson emphasized the quality of the Pakistani squad and the importance of the approaching matches.
“We played a tri-series series prior to the last World Cup. They won that and they obviously went a long way in that competition as well and so we know how strong they are as a team,” said the New Zealand captain.
The schedule for Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series is as follows:
First match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 12 January, Auckland
Second match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 14 January, Hamilton
Third match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 17 January, Dunedin
Fourth match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 19 January, Christchurch
Fifth match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 21 January, Christchurch.
