Razzaq puts his weight behind in-form Shadab

Pakistan veteran all-rounder Abdul Razzaq believes Pakistan now have the quality to trouble New Zealand both with the bat and ball, as he admitted that Kiwis are tough side to beat.

Talking to The Express Tribune, former all-rounder said, “If you look at the New Zealand’s record at home, they have a good winning average against Pakistan. They have won more matches and overall, they always perform well in their home conditions.”

However, looking at Pakistan’s recent record, they have become a force to be reckoned with in the ODIs and are the number two team in T20Is, he said, adding that they have been unpredictable but now they are showing signs of consistency.

“The way they won the tour match against New Zealand XI is a sign of good things to come,” he said.

Pakistan will be lacking the services of injured left-arm pacers Junaid Khan and Usman Khan Shinwari, and off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez (due to a ban on his bowling), but Razzaq believes the remaining bowling squad has enough venom to trouble the Kiwis.

“Our bowling line-up is still strong,” he explained. “[Leg-spinner] Shadab Khan is doing a great job with [medium pacer] Faheem Ashraf. The head coach and the captain will have to pick the right combination against New Zealand.”

Pakistan play New Zealand in the first of the five-match ODI series on January 6. The 50-over series will be followed by three T20Is.