RAWALPINDI: Pakistan will be pressing hard to win the fourth T20 International as well of the five-match series when they take on New Zealand today (Thursday) here on a batting-friendly track.
Pakistan won the first two T20Is with New Zealand coming back relatively good to keep the series alive by winning the third T20I following a nail-biting finish. The action now shifts to Pindi Stadium, where fate of the series will be decided.
Weather in twin cities is already threatening to disturb the preparations and even part of the fourth T20I as forecast of rain is there. Thunderstorms, lightning and rain lashed the twin cities Wednesday evening, making it difficult for teams to leave the hotels for the scheduled training session. The scheduled training session had to be cancelled because of persistent evening rain.
“No training session was possible today because of rain and condition of the ground,” the team management said.
The other interesting aspect is the possibility of the Chand Raat falling on Thursday evening and hence Friday’s Eid depending on the sighting of Shawwal moon.
The addition of Mickey Arthur to the Pakistan camp, though for a couple of days, has already given a fresh look to the team’s preparation.
“Mickey spent a busy Tuesday evening and Wednesday where he was seen discussing different aspects of training and preparations with the coaching staff and senior players,” one of the team officials privy to the meeting said.
Arthur’s consultation with the team think-tank was more focused on the series and other events in a run-up to the October World Cup to be held in India.
Pindi Stadium has already produced some stunning run-scoring tracks with the visiting England team and later the Pakistan Super League participants making full use of opportunities offered to them.
Things will not be much different this time around as the surface at the Pindi Stadium is expected to offer an exciting run scoring flare for the batters. At the same time the overcast and rainy weather that is expected for Thursday could well see pace and seam bowlers getting something out of the wicket.
Pakistan camp is contemplating giving lanky Ishanullah the opportunity to flex his muscles. The speedster has already made a huge impact on international cricket during the series against Afghanistan at Sharjah where he at times looked unplayable. With the wicket at the Pindi Stadium having proper bounce, his inclusion could well be ideal for the occasion.
Ihsanullah could replace Naseem Shah who was drafted in place of Zaman Khan for the third T20 at the Gaddafi Stadium. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan has already regained fitness from the back problems he faced during the second T20.
Abdul Mohi Shah Abdul Mohi Shah is a senior reporter for The News