LAHORE: Despite being handicapped by the loss of three bowlers due to injuries, Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed on Tuesday pinned hopes on team’s bowling resources during the upcoming limited-overs tour of New Zealand.

Sarfraz, while talking to the media at the conclusion of a brief two-day conditioning camp at the Gaddafi Stadium, said Pakistan’s bowling unit still remains a strong area with Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali as the key weapons in the absence of left-arm trio of pacers Junaid Khan and Usman Khan Shinwari and the spinning all-rounder Imad Wasim.

The national squad is due to leave in the early hours of Wednesday for New Zealand where it will play five One-day Internationals — the first which is scheduled to be played in Wellington on Jan 6 — with a three-match T20 series to follow.

“I am optimistic our bowlers will do well in New Zealand. We are heading into the series on the back of nine successive [ODI] wins and that should be serve as a driving force despite the injuries to several bowlers,” Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy-winning captain said. “It was the result of teamwork that Pakistan have done extremely well in one-dayers in recent times. I believe bowling is our key point as it had been in the past.

“The batsmen also clicked, particularly during the Champions Trophy in England. But unfortunately, injuries to key bowlers have created problems but those picked in their places are good enough to perform well in New Zealand conditions.

The skipper pointed out Rumman Raees is a good induction and hoped the subtle change of pace, in which Rumman specializes, will trouble the New Zealand batsmen in their conditions.

“And we must not overlook the fact Pakistan still have Amir and Hasan, who are world-class performers. Hasan has been wonderful throughout since he played at the international level and has grown in stature. He was just phenomenal during the Champions Trophy [where the 23-year-old was man-of-the-tournament after taking 13 wickets] and I expect great things from him on the coming tour,” Sarfraz said.

The Pakistan skipper, however, admitted the batsmen have to do well because traditionally they struggle in New Zealand conditions.

“But they are experienced lot and most of them have played in New Zealand before. And only Fakhar Zaman has been never been there. Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali all are in good form and I’m sure after playing some practice matches they will also perform well in the main fixtures,” he said.

He said it was unfortunate that, Hafeez won’t be bowling to the ICC ban but Shoaib Malik is an option to fill the gap as he had been bowling regularly in the past.

“Overall, it won’t be an easy series against a team which generally plays in their own environment. But I see New Zealand tour as a good experience for all of us because it would be good for Pakistan team with the World Cup not far away. The playing conditions in New Zealand are almost similar to what we get in England where the 2019 World Cup will be staged,” Sarfraz added.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2017