Pakistan’s T20 cricket captain Salman Ali on Monday said the team’s Primary focus is the upcoming T20 World Cup, and preparations are underway to strengthen both combination and strategy.
Speaking at a press conference at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, he said the team aims to maintain the momentum built over the past few months under a clear strategic approach in T20 cricket.
Salman, was of the view that Pakistan is equipped with excellent all-rounders, who continue to contribute effectively with both bat and ball. He added that a strong combination will be visible in the tri-nation series as well, with the plan being to give every squad member an opportunity to ensure the best possible lineup is identified before the World Cup.
He stressed that performances in the lower order are not a cause for concern. “Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have consistently shown improvement with the bat and played crucial roles even during the Asia Cup,” he said.
The captain confirmed that Abdul Samad has been included in the squad and expressed confidence that Samad would also perform well and meet the team’s expectations.
Speaking about his own form, Agha said every player experiences highs and lows. “My performance in the Asia Cup was not satisfactory, but now my form is better and I am determined to continue contributing to the team’s victories.”
He added that he is always available to bowl when needed, while Saim Ayub, as a batting all-rounder, has also displayed impressive bowling skills.
He emphasized that all-rounders hold great significance in the shorter formats worldwide, and Pakistan must take full advantage of having such players.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said his focus ahead of the upcoming clash with Pakistan is not on the opposition’s plans but on maximizing the strengths within his own squad.
“Instead of thinking about what our plan is against Pakistan, my focus is on what I have planned knowing the potential of my teammates,” Raza said. “If we bowl and field well, we have the ability to beat any team. We will take it one game at a time, and I believe we have a very good chance.”
Raza expressed disappointment with what he described as harsh judgments directed at the current Zimbabwe squad.
“This group of players gets judged very harshly because of our history,” he said. “These boys went to Australia and beat them for the first time, yet I don’t see media talking about it.
I feel this current crop of players is often disrespected. We performed well in the 2020 World Cup, and we beat the Asian teams that toured Zimbabwe.”
He noted Zimbabwe’s limited player pool and said the board has been working to expand its reach. “Zimbabwe has a very small pool of players. We know how tough it is. Zimbabwe Cricket has worked hard, we’ve gone to remote areas to expand the game,” he added.
“We don’t have a busy cricketing Calendar. When you don’t play top nations regularly, so it becomes tougher. This year we’ve played all the big teams and still managed to qualify for the World Cup.”
Raza expressed confidence that his squad would continue to represent the country with dignity. “These players will take the country forward in a dignified and honorable way,” he said. “We play cricket to test ourselves against the best. Instead of seeing it as a challenge, my team and I are excited. If we win, it will not be an upset.”
He added that Zimbabwe remains the second-best side in Africa. “I don’t care, who is first or second best team in Asia,” he said. “Pakistan at home is always tough, and Sri Lanka at home also have an excellent record.”
Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka acknowledged his team’s disappointing ODI series loss but emphasized that T20 cricket offers a fresh opportunity.
“We lost the ODI series badly, but T20 cricket is different,” Shanaka said. “We need to get the maximum out of our experienced players and, at the same time, tap into the potential of our younger talent.”
Reflecting on their recent performances, Shanaka admitted Sri Lanka fell short in the Asia Cup. “We didn’t do well in the Asia Cup. We had some good games, but now we’re here to make a statement. Hopefully, we will win.”
He said the team aims to correct its mistakes as it transitions into the T20 series. “In T20s, we will do better. We need to focus on all three disciplines. Bowling execution is key, and our catching wasn’t good in the ODI series.”
Shanaka praised his opening pair and welcomed the challenge ahead. “The openers were impressive, and I like the direction Pakistan cricket is heading. We’re ready for the challenge,” he added. “As experienced players, we are prepared for the conditions, and we’re confident about the series.”
The opening match of the tri-nation T20 series will be played on Tuesday between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.