‘Pakistan’s T20 WC preparations are on the right track’
Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman struck a blazing half-century as they survived a scare to seal a three-wicket victory over depleted South Africa with a ball to spare and win the four-match Twenty20 International series 3-1 on Friday.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who also captained his side to a 2-1 ODI series victory against South Africa, has said preparations for this year's World Cup in India are on the right track.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam-led team will have no difficulty in travelling to India for the global event in October as the Indian government is set to grant visas to the players from the neighbouring nation, reports PTI.
It has been learnt that BCCI secretary Jay Shah has informed the Apex Council about the government's decision on giving visas to the Pakistan players.
"The visa issue of Pakistan cricket team has been sorted. However, whether the fans can travel across the border to watch matches is still not clear," an Apex Council member told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
India and Pakistan have not played bilateral series for many years now due to political tension between two countries.
Babar said after the T20I series win against South Africa that "It's great to win both the white-ball series in South Africa and this will give us lot of confidence for the coming matches."
"The series has helped us try out different combinations and I think we are on track in our preparations for the World T20 Cup, by which time we will have our squad ready for the big event," Babar said.
"I think as a team we did well, we supported each other and the bowlers also staged some strong comebacks in the series although we couldn't take early wickets," he added.
"The more you are successful against good opposition and in different conditions it helps you develop and become a better batsman."
Pakistan will depart for Zimbabwe on Saturday where they will play three T20Is on 21, 23 and 25 April, followed by two Tests, which will be played from 29 April to 3 May and 7-11 May.