Pakistan to play crucial Tri-Series just before 20-20 world cup

Pakistan will play a tri-series against Bangladesh and New Zealand in October this year to prepare for the 20-20 world cup 2022 in Australia scheduled for October and November. Pakistan will be playing a minimum of four T20Is in Christchurch ahead of their crucial encounter against the arch-rivals India at the MCG on October 23.

It will be the first time that Babar Azam will be playing a T20 match in New Zealand since the start of 2018.  The Pakistan captain missed the 2020-21 tour to the country due to a thumb injury.

Pakistan last won a T20I series in New Zealand in 2018. They had won by a margin of 2-1. They have also won 11 out of their last 13 T20 internationals.

Meanwhile, a PCB official while speaking to the Express made the confirmation on Babar Azam’s side participation in the T20 Tri-nation series with New Zealand and Bangladesh ahead of the 20-20 world cup later this year.

The PCB official also stated that Pakistan’s participation in the series will help Pakistan in the grand event of the 20-20 world cup 2022.

The series will be crucial for Pakistan to adapt to the conditions and captain Babar Azam will be looking to get used to them just before the grand event.

"I am pleased that we will be featuring in the tri-series in New Zealand as it will help us to arrive early and not only acclimatise for the T20 World Cup in Australia but also give final touches to our preparations," Babar said in a statement.

"I missed the last series in New Zealand due to a thumb injury and look forward to playing cricket in Christchurch against two good oppositions," he added.

Here is the tri-series schedule

October 8 - NZ vs Bangladesh at Hagley Oval.

October 9 - Pakistan vs NZ at Hagley Oval.

October 10 - Bangladesh vs Pakistan at Hagley Oval.

October 11 - NZ vs Bangladesh at Hagley Oval.

October 12 - Bangladesh vs Pakistan at Hagley Oval.

October 13 - NZ vs Pakistan at Hagley Oval.

October 14 - Final at Hagley Oval