Kane Williamson hopes Pakistan will not hold any grudges over New Zealand abandoning a tour on security fears last month. The NZ-Pak game is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 26 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Williamson said that he was disappointed after the Black Caps pulled out from their tour of Pakistan back in September.
Before the start of the first ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Kiwis decided not to go ahead with the series due to “security threats”. And a week after New Zealand left, England also withdrew their men’s and women’s teams from a tour to Pakistan due to concerns over the physical and mental health of the players.
“It was a really disappointing situation. I know the team that was there was very much looking forward to the occasion. And playing cricket over in Pakistan, and it was a real shame that it wasn’t able to go ahead.”
“But there are also a lot of good relations within the two teams. Over the years they’ve played a lot against each other, and a number of players have played with each other as well. I’m sure it’ll be played in the right spirit. But no doubt Pakistan will be well supported, as they always are here in the UAE.” he added
Kane Williamson labelled Pakistan as one of the “favourites”
Williamson lauded Pakistan’s performance against India and said Babar Azam’s team is among the favorites to win the tournament.
“Yeah, I mean, it was a fantastic performance. I think Pakistan has come to the T20 World Cup full of confidence, having played in these conditions more than most,” he said. They certainly put it on the show last night and showed why they’re one of the favorites in the competition. Tomorrow I’m sure they’ll be very strong again, so for us. It’s focusing on the cricket that we want to play and trying to adjust to conditions.”
“They’ve got a very well-balanced side, and also a great mix between youth and experience with Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik in the middle order, as well, which brings a lot of experience to the side.”