PSL has been the perfect preparation for Pakistan ahead of West Indies clash, says Sarfraz Ahmed
What’s the story?
Pakistan is set to face the West Indies in a four-match T20 series. As the team has freshly landed in the Caribbean from the Pakistan Premier League, Sarfraz Ahmed feels the team is very well prepared to face the opponents in the series.
“PSL is an advantage as the boys are coming through playing T20 cricket. Many players who performed have been rewarded. I think it’s a good sign that PSL is happening and players who are performing in domestic are being selected. It’s good to have top performers coming through, this event is helping us unearth talent,” said the limited overs captain.
In case you didn’t know...
The Pakistan management will be looking to alter their playing eleven and the two openers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were charged by the anti-corruption committee in PSL and they need a replacement. The two players to fill in for them will be the well-experienced duo of Kamran Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad. Akmal had an impressive domestic season and was the highest scorer in the PSL.
The heart of the matter
With a new opening pair and a couple of big names contributing to the team, Sarfraz feels optimistic about the series. The captain will be hoping that the players carry the form from the PSL. He intends on mixing the players to unearth the best combination for the team.
About five players from the Pakistani side are also a part of the Caribbean Premier League in the West Indies and this is a huge benefit for the team as it will be easy for the players to adapt to the conditions, feels the captain.
What’s next?
The Pakistan team will take part in four T20s, three ODIs and three Test matches against West Indies. The first T20 will take off on 26th March in Barbados at 10:00 PM IST. The tour will last till the 15th of May.
Author’s take
Pakistan will carry all the positivity and experience they acquired from the PSL. They will look to maintain the spirit in order to win the long series against the Indies. The T20 series can be seen as a cosy series for the Pakistan team given that they directly landed after a T20 league. The team will be confident and will try to make the most of the series.