LAHORE: Upcoming Pakistan pacer Ihsanullah on Saturday said he was working to improve his bowling during the ongoing national training camp set up here at the Gaddafi Stadium for the forthcoming home series against New Zealand.

The series comprising five ODIs and as many T20 Internationals starts on April 14 with the first T20I match at the Gaddafi Stadium.

“My length ball lifts sharply and [now] I am working to make it more effective. Similarly, I am trying to further improve my yorkers,” Ihsanullah, who bowled the fastest delivery of HBL Pakistan Super League earlier this year while representing Multan Sultans, told reporters at the camp.

“[Bowling coach] Umar Gul is helping me improve my bowling at this camp.”

The 20-year-old Ihsanullah from Khyber Agency caught attraction during the PSL 8 when he bowled a magnificent spell in just his second match, against Quetta Gladiators, taking five wickets for just 12 runs in four overs.

The right-armer finished the league as the second-best bowler with a haul of 22 wickets from 12 matches at an excellent average of 15.77.

To a question, the fast bowler said though he had not set any target for the forthcoming series against New Zealand, taking main wickets would be his primary aim.

“Playing alongside world-class bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf is an honour for me. I will use this opportunity to hone my skills,” Ihsanullah said while regarding former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar as a model for him to follow.

Terming the touring New Zealand team a strong squad, Ihsanullah said Pakistan would try their best to win the series.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2023