Srinagar: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has termed matches against Ireland and England important before the start of T20 World Cup 2024.
Pakistan beat Ireland by six wickets in last T20I to clinch series 2-1. Before, T20 World Cup in USA and Wrst Indies Pakistan will play against England in a four-match T20I series.
“For us, before the World Cup, it’s important to have these games to ready ourselves and there are a few areas to improve,” Afridi said, as quoted from the ICC.
In the third T20I, Pakistan captain Babar Azam forged a 139-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan for the second wicket. Their partnership laid the foundation for Pakistan’s success after Saim Ayub failed to provide an ideal start for the team.
“They’re both world-class players ; they know how to play their role and they have done really well on this pitch,” Shaheen added.
Babar smashed four sixes and six fours in his 75 off 42 deliveries. His standout performance and partnership with Rizwan kept the pressure off Pakistan throughout the chase of 179.
“We had good communication in the middle because we have played a lot of cricket together; we were trying to play on our strengths and the aim was to match with the run rate,” Babar said.
“Lots of positives for us to take and we were able to execute our plans. We have a big tournament coming up and this is good practice; we are now looking forward to the England series,” Babar added.