PAK vs NZ: "Babar Azam Is A Big Threat" - Kane Williamson

Updated - 11 Jan 2024, 02:16 PM

Babar Azam (Image Credits: Twitter)

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New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson expressed confidence in Babar Azam’s abilities despite the former Pakistan skipper’s recent struggles. Kane Williamson described Babar Azam as a ‘big threat’ for his team in the upcoming five-match T20I series in New Zealand.

After suffering a humiliating 3-0 whitewash defeat in the Test series against Australia, the Men in Green is gearing up for the T20 series against New Zealand. The first match between the Black Caps and Pakistan is set to take place at Eden Park in Auckland on January 12.

Babar failed to register a half-century in the recent three-match Test series in Australia, scoring only 126 runs in six innings with a disappointing average of 21. The 29-year-old batter aims to bounce back and regain form in the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Babar Azam Is A World Class Player – Kane Williamson

In a press conference on Thursday, Kane Williamson said that Babar Azam remains one of the best players in the world and poses a significant threat to his team, despite his recent challenges.

“He [Babar] is a world-class player. Cricket comes with a full range of feeling and emotions and part of it is navigating each day and looking to improve. He is one of the best players in the world and I am sure he will be doing that and that doesn’t change overnight. We know he is a big threat,” Williamson said.

Babar Azam is expected to bat at No. 3 in the upcoming series, while Saim Ayub is set to open alongside Mohammad Rizwan. The team management is considering changing the approach to the powerplay despite the successful partnership of Azam and Rizwan.

Consistently One Of The Best Teams In The World – Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson acknowledged Pakistan’s consistent status as one of the world’s best teams across all conditions. The New Zealand skipper expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming T20 contest in their backyard.

“Pakistan is always a fantastic opportunity. They are consistently one of the best teams in the world and in all conditions, so to have them to have them here in our backyard and having another contest is great,” Williamson added.

“We played a tri-series series prior to the last World Cup. They won that and they obviously went a long way in that competition as well and so we know how strong they are as a team,” he concluded.