Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHEVRONS assistant coach Dion Ebrahim is confident the team will be able to rise to the occasion in Pakistan.
The hosts, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will compete in a seven-match T20I cricket tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from today to November 29, marking the first-ever T20I tri-nation event to be staged in Pakistan.
All teams will play four league matches, with the top two teams qualifying for the final.
Ebrahim believes despite the inconsistent run by the Chevrons in the past, they have what it takes to make a big impact, setting the tone for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“We’re looking to win,” he said.
“We have come to this tri-series with the ambition to win and to compete in every game. This is about taking two steps forward in our preparation for the World Cup, and that starts by trying to win this tournament.”
He insists the team is not there to make up the numbers but to compete.
“We have been a group for over a year now, our team is ready and really excited for the challenges ahead.”
A key advantage for the Chevrons side is knowledge of players with Pakistan Super League (PSL) experience.
Ebrahim said the experience of Captain Sikandar Raza and Brendan Taylor is “invaluable” for navigating local conditions, particularly under lights.
“In T20 cricket, it’s too fickle to focus on one player,” he cautioned.
“If your attention goes to one player, you lose sight of the unfolding game. We highly respect world-class players, but we have plans and strategies for everyone.”
He expressed confidence in the team’s bowling abilities.
“We have got quite a diverse seam attack with points of difference in height, angles, and skill sets.
“It’s a very dynamic and broad bowling balance. We’re excited to have a world-class bowler like Richard Ngarava, along with a couple of young, explosive, dynamic athletes. We’re very excited to showcase these skills.”
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, the hosts are under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha, who is entering the tri-series with strong recent form in T20Is.
Pakistan featured in the final of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE and later defeated South Africa 2-1 in a three-match T20I series at home.
Earlier this year, Pakistan swept Bangladesh 3-0 in a commanding performance in Lahore. Ahead of the event, Pakistan featured in a full bilateral series against South Africa comprising two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. The hosts drew the Test series 1-1 and won the ODI series 2-1 in Faisalabad.
They also completed a 3-0 clean sweep against Sri Lanka in the recently concluded ODI series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha ahead of the tri-series said: “The tri-series comes at an ideal time for us. It allows the group to play consistent cricket against two competitive sides and further refine our T20I plans ahead of the all-important ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year.
“We have produced encouraging performances in recent months, winning the tri-series in Sharjah, qualifying for the final of the Asia Cup and winning white-ball series against South Africa and Sri Lanka. The team showed excellent discipline in the ODI series against Sri Lanka and we look forward to carrying that momentum into this tournament.
“We have seen great support for the home side from the Rawalpindi fans and we are expecting quality contests throughout the series.”
15-member T20I squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq
Series schedule:
November 18 – Pakistan v Zimbabwe
November 20 – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
November 22 – Pakistan v Sri Lanka
November 23 – Pakistan v Zimbabwe
November 25 – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
November 27 – Pakistan v Sri Lanka
November 29 – Final — pcb.com.pk
