Pakistan captain Babar Azam said on Saturday that the team planned to bat Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz higher in the order against New Zealand in the second tri-nation series at Hagley Oval.
Pakistan defeated New Zealand by six wickets to make it two wins in a row, thanks to an outstanding batting performance from Babar and Shadab and an outstanding bowling performance.
In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the match, Babar said: “We planned to use Shadab and Nawaz at the top numbers. We know Shadab’s potential, which is important for us.”
Star performers ⭐⭐#NZvPAK | #NZTriSeries pic.twitter.com/TDH5yutIPp
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 8, 2022
“Shadab does not come often, so today, we planned to take advantage of him. The partnership [between him and Shadab] looked good and aggressive against the bowlers and gave us the momentum,” Babar added.
“After a great win over Bangladesh, there was a positive performance in today’s match as well,” he said.
“Bowlers are bowling according to plan, while batsmen are taking charge. Every player of the team is showing their performance and giving 100%,” the 27-year-old added.
Babar commented on the victory, saying that winning at home gives you a lot of confidence.
‘I was waiting for the opportunity’
Meanwhile, Shadab, who scored 34 runs off 22 balls, said he was looking forward to moving up the order.
“I was waiting for this opportunity. I bat at number four in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), so I was confident,” the all-rounder and vice-captain said.
“There is always a plan to put pressure on the bowler, and that’s what I did,” he said.
“As a professional player, you want your responsibility and expectations to increase. I positively enjoy the pressure. I try to perform in all three departments,” he concluded.
To read our blog on “Babar Azam first Pakistani batsman to reach 3,000 runs in T20Is,” click here