Tim Southee Ready to Attack Fakhar Zaman in the Upcoming Series

Asian Giants Pakistan is all set to kick-start their tour of New Zealand on Saturday with the first One Day International of the five-match series scheduled to be played in Wellington. Tim Southee leads New Zealand’s attack.

It is expected to be a well-fought series with both teams having some exceptional names in their ranks who can change the complexion of any match with their all-round abilities. After winning the Champions Trophy earlier in 2017, Pakistan will be hoping for a series victory in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, New Zealand speedster Tim Southee, who was rested for series against Windies, has picked his bunny for the bilateral series who is none other than Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman who was instrumental in helping Pakistan lift their maiden Champions Trophy title.

“He is obviously an exciting player, who likes to get on with it. Hopefully, we can change that record he’s got,” Southee was quoted as saying by the NZ Newswire.

The fast bowler further commented that despite Fakhar being an impressive young player his inexperience of playing in New Zealand would be a challenge for him. The southpaw made his presence felt during the final of the Champions Trophy in June last year when he smashed a sensational match-winning century against arch-rivals India which played a pivotal role in paving the way for a famous Pakistan victory.

“It’s a great start to his international career, but he’s never toured New Zealand, so there are a few challenges for him to adapt to different conditions,” said Southee. The Men in Green will be playing a five-match ODI series which will be followed by a three-match series against the same opponents which will commence from January 6 and will end on January 28.

Fakhar played the knock of his life after he survived a close shave when Jasprit Bumrah had him caught behind of a no ball. He made full use of the missed opportunity and went on to smash a stroke-filled century which helped Pakistan reach a commendable total of 339 at the end of their allotted 50 overs. It proved way too much for India as Pakistan registered a comprehensive victory by 181 runs.

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