Pakistan is a good team when they play at home: Jimmy Neesham

LAHORE: Veteran all-rounder Jimmy Neesham thinks that New Zealand will have to be on top of their game if they want to beat Pakistan in the upcoming white-ball series, which includes five T20Is and as many ODIs.

Neesham told Geo News in Lahore before the first T20I that Pakistan is a really good team when they play at home.

The 32-year-old said, “Pakistan is a really good team in their own conditions, so we have to be on top of our game if we want to win the series. Hopefully, we can use the recent experiences that a few of us have had in these conditions.”

The Kiwi all-rounder also played for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which ended last month. He played in Lahore last month.

During the event, the cricketer from New Zealand shared a room with the captain of Pakistan’s team, Babar Azam.

“I played a few games here during the PSL about a month ago. I think the mood has changed a bit, and it’s a lot warmer now than it was then. So the bowlers have a little bit more to work with in terms of swing and other things,” Neesham said.

“We’ve had some success in this format over the last six or eight years, so we know how we work. It’ll be important to stick to those plans, especially in these conditions, and we’re expecting high-scoring games on what looks like a good track.

Neesham, who has played for New Zealand in 71 ODIs and 63 T20Is, said, “It’s important for the bowling attack to keep their cool and try to limit those big overs.”

In response to a question, the New Zealand all-rounder said that the rules of cricket make it so that there is no perfect plan for a player and that all plans have pros and cons.

“We can only come up with theories, but in the end, it comes down to how well the bowlers do their job and maybe a little bit of luck as well.” So, we’ll go out there with good goals and plans,” he said. “But players like Babar Azam are the kind of people whose best plans don’t always work out. So, all we can do is try to put our best foot forward and see what happens.”

The New Zealander said that even though the touring side doesn’t have a lot of experience, there are a lot of enthusiastic players who are eager to get out there and make their mark on international cricket.

“It’s great for the group’s culture to get a boost of young talent and passion, and I hope they get a chance to show what they can do in the next few days,” he said.