Pakistan batting line a major challenge: Tim Southee

Pakistan would be eyeing to rectify their past undoing as they would take on New Zealand Down Under, starting their series tomorrow (Saturday) at Basin Reserve, Wellington.

Though pundits and critics are backing Pakistan’s potent bowling line, the batting line remains a concern. However, New Zealand’s fast bowler Tim Southee says that Sarfraz’s batsmen are more than capable of posing a difficult challenge.

"In batting, they're probably not as destructive as the West Indies, but they're very capable of batting for a long time and hurting poor bowling," Southee said, quoted NZ Newswire.

"They don't have the big names but they've got great records to back it up." Players like Babar Azam and in-form veteran Shoaib Malik, who have averaged 67.07 and 57.33, respectively in 2017, will form the Green Shirts batting line.

Kiwis speedster ready to attack Fakhar Zaman

The returning Azhar Ali is another danger man, who will form the opening pair with hard-hitting Fakhar Zaman. Azhar returns to limited overs cricket after his last outing at the memorable Pakistan, India final of the ICC’s Champions Trophy.

Earlier, New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson praised the Green Shirt batting line, as he expected them to showcase a composed, aggressive performance.

Pakistan will play five-match One Day International series followed by a three-match T20I series against New Zealand, commencing from tomorrow.