New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson gave a befitting reply to a journalist who asked him if he spent sleepless nights thinking about how to bowl to Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam. He shut the reporter’s mouth down with his cheeky response.
New Zealand They are currently facing Afghanistan in the five-match T20I series. The Black Caps put in two sensational performances and took the first two games by good margins. They were better on both occasions and took a 2-0 lead in the series.
Locke Ferguson missed the first two games due to the injury but is expected to return for the final game. The fast bowler will play for the first time against Pakistan in the series as he will replace Ben Sears.
Lockie Ferguson was asked about the challenge of bowling with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman and whether he doesn’t sleep at night thinking about bowling with the left-hander and Babar Azam. Responding to this, he said that he slept like a baby.
Lockie Ferguson admitted that both batsmen are skilled and enjoy playing with shorter boundaries. Speaking to reporters, he said (quoted by Cricket Pakistan):
“No, I’m sleeping like a baby. But they’re obviously skilled hitters. He played against them quite a bit. I think they like coming here. Fakhar probably likes shorter boundaries. Tomorrow is another opportunity against a quality batting line-up, so look forward to the challenge.”
PAK vs NZ: We have our plans for them: Lockie Ferguson on bowling with Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam
Lockie Ferguson further added that they have plans against Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam. He admitted that both batsmen will have a higher edge due to shorter boundaries, but they will have to start from scratch. He added:
“They [Babar and Fakhar] They are good players. We have our plans for them. I think the boys played very well against them. “Those guys have great passing and can get away with short boundaries, but tomorrow they will start from scratch just like us.”
Babar Azam has been in excellent form in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. He has scored two half-centuries in two games and would hope to hit another good knock in the third game.
Fakhar Zaman, on the other hand, played two great canoes in the two matches. He would expect to score a lot in the next game. New Zealand would hope to clinch the series in the next match and then give opportunities to the youngsters in the final two matches. Pakistan, however, would be keen to come back and keep the series alive.
They have announced the 11 players for the third game. If they have to win the game and come back, Babar Azam along with Fakhar Zaman must bring their best game and help the team. The duo would be crucial for the team. The third match between the teams will be played on Wednesday (January 17).
