Zimbabwe’s thrashing of Bangladesh has forced the Pakistan
Cricket Board to stand up and take note of the opponents that, just a
few weeks ago, were far from a threat for Pakistan’s upcoming tour.
However, the hosts’ win in their comeback Test against Bangladesh as
well as the One-Day International (ODI) series-win has surprised the
former world champions who are now not showing any signs of complacency
in their preparation.
Zimbabwe’s performance has turned Pakistan’s conditioning camp at the
Gaddafi Stadium into an extensive training camp for the tour that
includes one Test, three ODIs and two Twenty20s.
“We’re not taking Zimbabwe lightly,” Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema told The Express Tribune.
“In fact, we’re not considering them less than opponents like India or
Australia. We are not leaving any stone unturned in the training camp
and we want the team to be well prepared.
“Zimbabwe are on top of their game. They are playing with team spirit
which is clearly seen in their performance. They’ve proved that with
their performance, they will give us a tough fight.”
Video analysis of Zimbabwe’s performance
Cheema added that apart from training and gym sessions, the players
were also shown videos of the recent Zimbabwe-Bangladesh matches.
“We’ve arranged videos of Zimbabwe’s performance in the Test and ODI
series. Our players are viewing those performances closely and the
purpose is to mark the strengths and weaknesses and prepare a strategy
accordingly.
“It’d also give an idea to the players who are playing Zimbabwe for the first time.”
With the preparations, the manager hoped that Pakistan will do well
against the home side ahead of crucial series against Sri Lanka and
England.
“We are hopeful that the team will do well but we want to go in
having done our homework,” said Cheema before adding that lectures on
disciplinary directions were also in full swing during the camp.
Pakistan will depart for Zimbabwe on August 25 and will launch the
tour three days later with a two-day warm-up game against Zimbabwe XI in
Bulawayo. The one-off Test starts from September 1 at the same venue.
News By: Express Tribune
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