New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor hoped his batsmen counter Pakistan's spin threat in the group D cracker at Pallekele stadium on Sunday. New Zealand thumped Bangladesh by 59 runs in their opening match on Friday on the back of a Twenty20 record score of 123 by Brendon McCullum in a match they faced three left-arm spinners as well.
To add to Ajmal and Afridi they also have skipper Mohammad Hafeez and rookie left-armer Raza Hasan, meaning New Zealand may well have to play 16 overs of spin. But Taylor said the momentum gained from the victory over Bangladesh could be invaluable.
Ross Taylor
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“Hafeez and Ajmal have got very good records in the last 12-18 months. We have had an insight into the wicket and the confidence from the way we played on Friday, we’ll hopefully take that also,” said the New Zealand skipper.
“We have prepared really well and I am sure we’ll do the same against Pakistan.”u00a0New Zealand have happy memories of the Pallekele stadium where they beat Pakistan in the World Cup last year, with Taylor notching a career best 131 not out.
“Pakistan are a lot more experienced than Bangladesh. They’ve played very well in the last 12-18 months. They’ve got world-class players but hopefully we can get the better of them come the next match.”
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