Younis Khan feels Pakistan can beat New Zealand in their backyard

Former Pakistani cricketer Younis Khan feels that the current Pakistan team is well-equipped to win overseas assignments. The men in green are scheduled to play against New Zealand in New Zealand in early 2018. The two sides are scheduled to lock horns in 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is between January 6 and January 28. Last season, they had visited New Zealand to play a 2-match Test series.

Much to their disappointment, they had to face a 0-2 whitewash. Following the drubbing in New Zealand, Pakistan were again whitewashed by Australia in the assignment that followed for them. Keeping the past aside, Younis Khan feels that the current lot has a good combination of players.

As per the reports in brecorder.com, Younis conceded that Pakistan can win in T20Is and ODIs in the New Zealand conditions. However, they need to have good mental strength to do so. Also, the players should identify their roles in the side.

“Looking at the recent performances by the Pakistan cricket team, in both the One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20’s, there is a strong chance of beating the New Zealand in their backyard. However, as I have said earlier that in order to achieve the feat, the team Green would need mental strength and the players should know their roles,” quoted Younis Khan.

Salman Butt adding his opinions

Meanwhile, former Pakistani skipper Salman Butt opined that the men in green should beef up their bowling in order to win down under. He mentioned that he has a feeling that the matches would be high scoring affairs. Hence, having a strong bowling contingent would help the cause of the team Pakistan.

The eyes, in the meantime, would be on the national selectors. They are expected to announce the squads for the New Zealand series in the coming week. It will be interesting to see if any big name like Salman Butt or Fawad Alam gets a recall in the national side.