New Zealand cricket team reaches Pakistan after 18 years

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The New Zealand cricket team reached Pakistan after 18 years on Saturday.

The team reached Islamabad by a charter flight. The team will start practice after one-day quarantine. This is their first tour since 2003, when they were beaten 5-0 by the hosts in an ODI series.

Pakistan and New Zealand will play the first one-day international at Pindi Stadium on September 17. During the tour, the visiting team will play three one-day international and five T20s.

Meanwhile, former men cricketers and members of the current women’s national team have expressed their thrill and excitement to welcome New Zealand men’s national cricket team for their historic tour.

Former Test captain Rashid Latif said: “It is a great news for passionate cricket fans that New Zealand are arriving in Pakistan after a long gap. I still remember a match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi when Shoaib Akhtar bowled really fast and took six wickets.

“The series is a great opportunity for young Pakistan players to express their talent. I am sure fans will turn up to the stadiums in Rawalpindi and Lahore to witness exciting matches between both sides.”

Test wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal said: “Witnessing international stars playing in front of them brings joy to the faces of the fans and I am hopeful the series will help promote the game in Pakistan.”

Women’s team all-rounder Nida Dar said: “I am looking forward to what promises to be exciting series. My well-wishes are with the men in green and I am sure they will do well.”