Shaheens Gear Up for Top End T20 Series, First Match Against Scorchers on August 16

DARWIN: Ghulam Ali, the head coach of Pakistan Shaheens, conveyed his optimism about the team’s prospects in the forthcoming Top End T20 series. He highlighted the crucial need to adapt effectively to the local environment.

In his address to the media in Darwin on Wednesday, Ali mentioned that the team has been training in the city for three days to acclimatize to the Australian conditions.

“A majority of our players are visiting Australia for the first time. Therefore, we are focusing on familiarizing them with the pitches and the weather conditions. Our primary goal is to deliver a strong performance throughout the series,” he stated.

Ghulam Ali emphasized the value of international tours in the development of players, recalling the Pakistan Shaheens’ previous tour to England.

“Competing in foreign conditions is instrumental in developing high-caliber players for the national team,” he added.

Regarding the role of young opening batsmen in the squad, he noted that several players are eager to seize the opportunity and make a significant impact in the opening position.

“Players are assigned specific strategies aligned with their respective roles, and each position holds importance,” he clarified.

Ali underscored the significance of every player, irrespective of their designated position. He also highlighted the correlation between physical fitness and fielding prowess.

“Enhanced fitness translates to better fielding capabilities. Considering the increasing frequency of cricket matches today, prioritizing fitness and fielding has gained paramount importance,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Shaheens’ bowling coach, Samiullah Niazi, characterized the team’s young fast bowlers as the future icons of Pakistan cricket.

“We are dedicated to preparing them psychologically for international-level competition. The team possesses a well-rounded composition, providing each player with a valuable platform to showcase their abilities,” he commented.

Niazi lauded the team’s preparations for the series, emphasizing the presence of seasoned players like Irfan Niazi and Wasim Junior.

The Shaheens are scheduled to compete against Scorchers on August 16 and Renegades on August 18 at TIO Stadium.

Subsequently, they will face Kingsmen on August 19, Strikers on August 21, and Nepal on August 22 at the DXC Arena. The semi-finals and final are slated for August 24.

Pakistan 15-member squad:

Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicket-keeper), Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah and Yasir Khan.

Team management:

Ghulam Ali (head coach), Sami Ullah Niazi (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Muhammad Ibrahim (analyst) and Muhammad Aleem (physio).

Pakistan Shaheens fixtures: