LAHORE: Emerging fast bowler Akif Javed has set his sights on dismissing New Zealand’s star batter Kane Williamson, calling it his “dream wicket”, as Pakistan’s nine-member squad concluded a short training camp at the LCCA Ground on Friday ahead of their One-day International series in New Zealand.

The group, led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, will depart on March 23 to join the national team’s other players, who are currently trailing 2-1 in the ongoing five-match T20I series against the Black Caps.

The three ODIs, scheduled from March 29 to April 5, will follow the T20I leg, with Pakistan aiming to build momentum after a record nine-wicket win in the third T20I on Friday.

“I’ve set Williamson’s wicket as my main target. It would be a dream to dismiss him,” said Akif, who is yet to earn an international cap despite consistent domestic performances.

Reflecting on Paki­stan’s recent T20I victory, the 24-year-old added: “The young talent stepping up is a positive sign, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching. This win has boosted our morale as we head to New Zealand.”

Hailing from Kurk, Kohat in Khyber Pakh­tunkhwa, Akif’s journey has been marred by setbacks, including a near-miss with national selection due to injury.

“My name was in contention earlier, but an injury derailed my chan­ces. I didn’t lose hope, and by God’s grace, I’m back,” he said.

Akif also told that he is inspired by legendary pace trio of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.

“I initially wanted to emulate Shoaib Akhtar, but I’ve also learned a lot from Mohammad Amir,” the left-hand pacer revealed.

He credited senior players Babar Azam and Rizwan for refining his line and length during the camp, while praising former captain Misbah-ul-Haq for backing him during his stints with domestic teams.

Akif’s cricketing journey began with tape-ball cricket before transitioning to hard-ball, supported financially by his brother in Dubai.

“My brother covered my expenses when I moved to Peshawar for better training. People believed in my talent and pushed me to switch to hard-ball cricket,” he shared.

Despite modest averages in domestic cricket, Akif’s wicket-taking ability stands out: 33 scalps in 30 List-A games, averaging 36, while claiming 59 wickets in 25 first-class matches at an average of 41.74.

He also took 84 wickets in the Twenty20 format at an average of 23.53.

Camp attendees: Moha­mmad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Moha­mmad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Akif Javed and Tayyab Tahir.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2025