Abdul Samad eyes power-hitting role ahead of New Zealand tour

Pakistan’s emerging batter Abdul Samad aims to fill the country’s power-hitting void ahead of the New Zealand tour, set to commence on 16 March in Christchurch.

Samad, who will represent Pakistan for the first time, expressed his excitement, calling it a huge honor.

“Playing for Pakistan is a big deal for everyone, and for me, it’s a huge honour,” the right-hander remarked.

“The management has told me to play my natural game, regardless of my batting position.”

He also discussed his playing idols and shared insights about power hitting.

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“When I started cricket, I followed Misbah-ul-Haq. Now, I try to play like Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell,” he said.

“Our team lacks power-hitters, so I will try to fill that gap,” said Samad.

The 27-year-old has played 17 T20 matches. His batting is characterized by powerful hitting and strike rate.

The T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off in Christchurch on 16 March, while the second match is scheduled to be played in Dunedin on 18 March.

The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on 23 and 26 March, respectively.

Pakistan squads for New Zealand tour

T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan (wk)

Read: Mohammad Ali banks on PSL, BPL experience ahead of New Zealand tour