Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter vows ready for attacking cricket in New Zealand tour

Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has expressed his determination to play aggressive cricket during the upcoming T20I and ODI tour of New Zealand, emphasizing the team’s focus on securing victory against the hosts.

Speaking to the media in Lahore on Friday, Haris revealed that the team management has urged the squad to adopt an attacking playing style while also remaining flexible based on match conditions in New Zealand.

“The management has asked us to play aggressive cricket,” Haris stated, echoing his captain Salman Ali Agha’s earlier remarks.

“We will make all our decisions based on the conditions in New Zealand, but the core focus will be on attacking play and taking responsibility.

Sometimes, the situation demands a change in approach, but we will try to stick to our plans.”

The 23-year-old, who has primarily played as an opener, asserted that he is willing to bat at any position to support the team’s success.

“I have played nine T20Is and only opened once. Being in the team is an honour, and I will bat wherever I get the chance.

Even if I don’t get to bat, I will try to do my best as a wicketkeeper," Haris added.

However, Haris maintained a calm and respectful stance when questioned about the absence of the star players.

“Not selecting Babar Azam and Rizwan is the decision of the selection committee,” he said.

Mohammad Haris also spoke about his experience playing in New Zealand, stating that adapting to the conditions would not be a problem for him.

“I have played in New Zealand before, so there will be no problem adapting to the conditions there,” he said.

Haris has made his return to Pakistan’s squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which is set to commence later this month.

The tour will feature five T20Is and three ODIs, scheduled to take place from March 16 to April 5, 2025.

Pakistan's ODI squad against New Zealand: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim and Tayyab Tahir.

Pakistan's T20I squad against New Zealand: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan

Pakistan's tour of New Zealand schedule:

16 Mar – first T20I, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
18 Mar – second T20I, University Oval, Dunedin
21 Mar – third T20I, Eden Park, Auckland
23 Mar – fourth T20I, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
26 Mar – fifth T20I, Sky Stadium, Wellington
29 Mar – first ODI, McLean Park, Napier
2 Apr – second ODI, Seddon Park, Hamilton
5 Apr – third ODI, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui