Shoaib Malik already has his eyes set on World Cup

Pakistan senior batsman Shoaib Malik has said that the team is seeing the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa as preparation for the World Cup.

Addressing the media ahead of ODI series against the Proteas, the former captain said that the management is sticking with the ‘same combination’ so that they gain confidence and experience ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

“Of course, every game is important but we are taking every game as the preparation for the World Cup,” said Malik, while addressing the media. Maik, being the senior most player in the Pakistani dugout, said that his role is not just about performing, “It’s also to share your experience with the youngsters, and tell them how to play in these conditions.”

Speaking about the ODI series against South Africa, Malik said that the preparations are going well, but said that a few players need to step up. “Consistency is important in, both, batting and bowling and that is going to be once again our goal in the upcoming series,” he said.

The tourists were mauled in a recent Test series, facing a humiliating 3-0 whitewash against the Proteas. They will play the first of five one-day internationals at St George’s Park on Saturday.

Squads:

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt, wkt), Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan (wkt), Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Shoaib Malik, Usman Khan

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen