Daily Times

LAHORE: Pakistan Twenty20 captain Sarfraz Ahmed has said that West Indies will not be an easy opponent to beat in the upcoming three-match T20s series. “It will be a tough T20 series against world T20 champions West Indies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE),” Sarfraz told reporters before the team’s departure, barring paceman Mohammad Amir who will tie the knot early next week, to Dubai here on Saturday night. It will be Pakistan’s first T20 rubber against the West Indies in the UAE, which has become the home venue for Pakistan since March 2009 after the terror attack on Sri Lankan team in Lahore. In all, Pakistan have played four T20s against the West Indies so far, winning two and losing two.

Sarfraz said he was confident that the team would perform well like they did against England in the T20.

Sarfraz added that the Pakistan team bounced back in the last two games of England tour. “Victory in the only T20 against England has lifted the team morale which will help us against West Indies in the three match T20 series,” said the Karachi born wicket-keeper.

Pakistan ended the England tour on a positive note as the Sarfraz-led team outclassed England in the one-off T20 by nine wickets at Old Trafford. Earlier, the Azhar Ali-captained ODI side were drubbed 1-4 in the five-match series to Eoin Morgan’s men.

“I believe it will be a close contest. West Indies is a force to reckon even in the absence of Chris Gayle. I am really glad to have a three match series, it will help us build a strong T20 team,” said Sarfraz adding that players would get a fair chance to prove their skills. “I don’t feel any pressure, playing international cricket is all about handling pressure and to give your best in tough conditions,” he added. Pakistan will start the tour against West Indies in UAE on September 23.

Meanwhile, bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, who was hired for the limited-overs leg of the England tour, will not be the part of the team management in the UAE. A PCB spokesman said ex-Test all-rounder Azhar was hired only for the England tour, adding currently no bowling coach was accompanying the team. However, he said, the PCB wanted to hire a long-term bowling coach and negotiations in this regard with some suitable candidates, including Azhar, were in progress. Former Test wicket-keeper Wasim Bari, the former chief selector, will accompany the team for the first time as manager.