The T20 World Cup 2021 is scheduled to start on October 17 in Oman and the UAE. Teams will be doing their finest to flourish in the high-profile competition, which will take place after a five-year break. Recently, New Zealand’s opening batsman Martin Guptill has said that the team expects a challenging match against Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
It should be observed that Pakistan are scheduled to face the Kiwis in their first Group 2 clash on October 26 in Sharjah. Guptill said that facing Pakistan will be a difficult fight and that they will have to put their “A” game to the field in order to compete with them.
“They’re a tough opponent and in these conditions, it’s going to be pretty tough again. We’re going to have to be on our A-game and bring it to them and not take a backward step, just like every other game that we play,” said Martin Guptill.
We’re all hoping that there is going to be cricket in Pakistan again soon: Martin Guptill
It is well known that New Zealand cancelled 8 match white-ball series versus Pakistan. The New Zealand players hesitated to take the field at the final minute, claiming a risk to their safety. Speaking about the same, Guptill stated that it was unfortunate for everyone concerned in the tour. He realizes that the hosts were looking forward to this series, and they, too, desired few matches before the T20 World Cup, but it just really can not happen.
“It was disappointing for everybody involved. We were all really looking forward to playing some cricket and getting a bit of game time before the World Cup and that wasn’t to be. I know Pakistan were really looking forward to having some cricket back in their home country, and we’re all hoping that there is going to be cricket there again soon,” added Guptill.
In aspects of Pakistan, they are expected to open their campaign in the T20 World Cup on October 24 in Dubai International Stadium versus arch-rivals India.