Santner said they will not take Pakistan lightly ahead of match
New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner said they cannot afford to take Pakistan or any team in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 lightly.
“Obviously, they’ve had a pretty good record over here,” said Santner. “They won the Champions Trophy a couple of years ago and they’ve come off a pretty good win against South Africa.”
“They took down England and took down South Africa the other day,” added Santner. “When they’re hot, they’re really hot. We have to, obviously, find ways of trying to cool them down when they’re like that.”
“We’re at the top at the moment (before England v. Australia match result), but we can’t take any games lightly,” continued Santner.
The Black Caps’ all-rounder continued that Pakistan’s bowling attack is good because they have varied strengths.
“Their bowling attack on the whole is very good. They’ve got some very good seam bowlers as well as spin bowlers. We’re aware of their strengths, and I think Wahab (Riaz) back into their team is very good for them,” stated Santner. “(Mohammad) Amir is bowling very well as well.”
On the other hand, Santner stated that New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is the key to their batting strength.
“He’s coming off two tons, and the one against South Africa the other night was pretty special,” said Santner. “(His innings) it didn’t look, I guess, as fluid, but that’s what made it so good.”
New Zealand will play against Pakistan today at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. The Black Caps currently have -130 odds to win the game while Shaheens have +110 odds.
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