Mohammad Haris, the skipper of Pakistan's Shaheens white-ball team, has shared insights into the team's preparations and aspirations ahead of the upcoming ODI and top-end T20 series.
In a recently released video by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Haris expressed optimism and determination to deliver an exceptional performance, building on last year's near miss.
"Our preparations have been good for the past three days," Haris stated. "Our primary focus is on the One Day matches, and we will try to perform well in them."
Haris acknowledged the challenges posed by the top-end T20 series, describing it as a significant test of the team's abilities.
"The top-end T20 series is a big challenge. We will try to deliver the best performance in it," he said.
Last year, the Shaheens participated in the six-team Top End T20 Series, followed by 50-over matches against Papua New Guinea (PNG) and NT Strike. Despite their efforts, NT Strike defeated the Shaheens in the Top End T20 final by 46 runs. This time, Haris aims for a different outcome.
"Last year, we were the runners-up in the top-end series. This time, we will climb one step higher," Haris concluded.
The Pakistan Shaheens cricket team will commence the white-ball portion of their Darwin tour on Sunday with a 50-over match against Northern Territory Strike at the Gardens Oval.
Subsequently, they will take on Bangladesh 'A' in another 50-over game on Tuesday at the DXC Arena.
The tour will then transition to T20 cricket with the Top End T20 Series, which will feature nine teams and take place from August 9 to 18.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad: Mohammad Haris (captain), Abdul Faseeh, Arafat Minhas, Arif Yaqoob, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper/batter), Jahandad Khan, Khurram Shahzad (only available for the 50-over matches), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mubasir Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.
Schedule of Pakistan Shaheens white-ball matches: