Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed is confident ahead of Test series decider against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.
While speaking in a press conference on the eve of the Test match, Sarfraz said that that team is hoping to put up a good show in all three departments of the game.
“After the first Test loss we bounced back really well by playing well in all three departments during the second Test. We will try to continue the same in the next match as well,” said Sarfraz.
Sarfraz also praised leg-spinner Yasir Shah about his great performance and the positive impact of that on the entire team.
“Yasir’s form and rhythm has benefited the team greatly,” he said. “We as a team will try and win the third Test and series against New Zealand.”
He also confirmed that teenage pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will make his debut in place of injured Mohammad Abbas.
“We will first look at the pitch tomorrow about whether to play three pacers or go with the same combination of two seamers and two spinners in attack,” he said. “Shaheen Shah Afridi will make his debut tomorrow in place of injured Mohammad Abbas while Faheem Ashraf is included in the 12-man squad.”
Sarfraz also reflected on the importance of toss: “Toss is important, especially in Asian conditions. Like most teams, we will try to win the toss and put a good total on the board by batting first. This helps avoid the pressure of batting in the fourth innings.”
Sarfraz was also confident that opener Fakhar Zaman, leg-spinner Shadab Khan and pacer Abbas will be fit and available for first Test against South Africa on Boxing Day in Centurion.
“According to the latest update regarding Shadab, Abbas and Zaman’s fitness, we are hopeful that they will recover in time for first Test against South Africa,” he said.
The third and final Test between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from December 3-7.