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This article was first published 11 years ago

'The series in India is a big platform for the Pakistan team'

Last updated on: December 1, 2012 18:30 IST


Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez has expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform against India in the upcoming series, scheduled to start this month. 

The series, in which both teams will participate after a gap of almost 5 years, will comprise two Twenty20s International to be played in Bangalore and Ahmedabad and three ODIs to be played in Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi, reports The Nation

Welcoming the revival of bilateral cricketing ties, Hafeez said: "Unfortunately we have not been able to play regular bilateral matches with India due to reasons other than cricket. 


'This present Pakistan team has a lot of potential'


I'm a firm believer that as far as Indo-Pak relations are concerned we need to keep sports and cricket separate from other things because every time something happens it also affects cricket relations." 

"I see this series as a big platform for us as a team to show the world that we are capable of beating anyone anywhere. This present Pakistan team has lot of potential to do well and the upcoming tour offers a great opportunity to show that we are a great cricketing nation," he added. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan's ODI Captain, Misbah ul Haq, believes the series between the two teams will pose a great challenge to Pakistan. 

Misbah said Indian batting is very strong, but Pakistan is sure to have an edge over their bowling.

'Historically our pacers have always troubled the Indian batsmen'


Meanwhile, Hafeez has said that the team will use pace to win the upcoming series in India. 

Hafeez's comments come at a time when India were handed a 10-wicket drubbing by England in the second Test in Mumbai, reports The Express Tribune

"Historically our pacers have always troubled the Indian batsmen in India and this time also we will be banking on them to do the same thing again," said Hafeez. 

"There is no doubt that Ajmal and Afridi are world-class bowlers but against Asian teams they have not had the same degree of success as opposed to other sides. 


'We have some exciting talent in the pace department'


The reason for this is simple. Asian batsmen grow up in conditions which spinners thrive in and therefore learn to cope with them from an early age. 

That is one reason why teams touring India always try to outgun the Indian team through their pace attack," he added. 

Hafeez said the Pakistani fast-bowlers selected for the tour will have to be at their best. 

"We have some exciting talent in the pace department and it is now up to the selectors to select the best lot," he said.

Tags: Hafeez , India
Source: ANI