PAK vs CAN: Canada's Kaleem Sana issues a stern warning to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan ahead of T20 World Cup clash

Canada Pacer Kaleem Sana has issued a stern warning to Pakistan captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan ahead of the upcoming PAK vs CAN game in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Kaleem Sana has said he will target Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan during the match with his pace attack.

Interestingly, Kaleem Sana hails from Pakistan and also played domestic matches in Pakistan during his early career. He also made it to the Pakistan U-19 team. He played in the domestic circuit regularly till the year 2014, when he faced a severe back injury.

Due to the injury, he lost his pace and with no hope to get into the Pakistan team, Sana moved to Canada to play for the Canadian side. Later, he made his international T20I debut for Canada in 2022. With his help, Canada also managed to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024 during the America Region Qualifiers.

Also Read: Watch - Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma openly laugh and mock vintage Pakistan fielding, Babar Azam furious

My targets will be Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan- Kaleem Sana

Kaleem Sana also faced Babar Azam during his U-16 days in Pakistan's domestic circuit. Now, he is all set to face him once again in the upcoming game, however, this time on the international level.

During an interview with Geo News, the left-arm pacer said he will target Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the PAK vs CAN game as he is an opening bowler for Canada. Azam and Rizwan are the openers for Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

“Since I bowl with the new ball, so my targets will (obviously) be Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. Babar was in the rival team, while I played my last first-class match in Pakistan,” he said.

Sana, who has played 8 ODIs and 18 T20Is for Canada so far, also informed that it was his dream to play for the Pakistan national team. However, he is still excited to play against the Pakistan team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

“When I got selected for the Pakistan U-19 team in 2009, it felt great. Even during the U-19 days, it was my dream to play for Pakistan’s national team. However, I am excited to play for Canada against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. My family still lives in Pakistan but now I am part of the Canada Team", the 30-year-pacer further added.

Also Read: Watch - Basit Ali cries on live TV, blasts Babar Azam after Pakistan's loss to India in T20 World Cup

Pakistan vs Canada encounter to take place in New York on June 11

Meanwhile, the Pakistan vs Canada encounter is all set to take place on Tuesday, June 11 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Pakistan and Canada are part of Group A in the tournament.

Pakistan have already lost two back-to-back games and is desperate for their first win in ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The Babar Azam-led side lost to the USA and India in their first two matches.

On the other hand, Canada has also played two games in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. They have won one match and lost the other. Canada commenced their journey with a loss against the USA, however, they won their next encounter against Ireland by 12 runs.