Dubai: Pakistan’s top Twenty20 star Mohammad Hafeez is confident that his team will outplay England in Twenty20 series. Though Pakistan had lost the One Day International (ODI) series 3-1 to England, Hafeez is confident that his team will do well in the T20 series like they did well in the Test matches.
“We have been winning in the Twenty20 format, like we have been winning in Test matches. I believe this team has got more skills in Twenty20 [than in ODI], we are more combined as a team because we have been playing with each other [in this format] over the last couple of years. I feel we will put up a better show [than in the ODI series],” said Hafeez, who also feels Dubai International Stadium is the best venue to play T20 cricket.
This stadium at the Dubai Sports City, which has the world record for having hosted the most number of Twenty 20 matches, and will be hosting its 33rd match on Thursday when Pakistan take on England in the first of the three T20 series.
“It is the best ground [for Twenty20s],” he said. “If you are at Lord’s there is no doubt the history is there, if you are in Australia, in Melbourne, you always enjoy [playing] in that ground. This ground [at Dubai Sports City] is beautiful. Whenever we come here, the atmosphere in the ground is something very special. I hope the first two Twenty20 [Internationals] here will give a lot to the fans to watch and enjoy,” said Hafeez.
The back to back T20 matches here will be followed by the third of the series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 30.
Like in the past, the organisers are expecting a huge turn out for the Twenty20 matches in Dubai.
Maqbul Dudhia, Dubai Sports City General Manager — Sports Business, said: “Buy now or risk missing out tickets for these two matches are proving very popular already.”
Hafeez too urged fans to flock in large numbers to support their team and said: “I believe Twenty20 is a format that gives more enjoyment to the fans and to the players. It will allow us to go out and express ourselves. So, hopefully, the passion will emerge from us.”
Hafeez wants to look ahead positively. “You always think about the future with a positive mindset [and] as a team we are thinking very positively. Whatever happened [in the ODI series], it is history.
“We believe this [Twenty20 International] team will bring better results for Pakistan cricket.”
