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Umar Gul return a timely boos as Pakistan face New Zealand in T20 in Dubai

Umar Gul return a timely boos as Pakistan face New Zealand in T20 in Dubai

Pakistan paceman Umar Gul’s return is a timely boost for former world champions Pakistan who are set to take on an under-strength New Zealand in the two Twenty20 internationals in Dubai on Thursday and Friday.

The 30-year-old returns from a knee problem which kept him away from international cricket since the fifth edition of the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh in April this year.

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His inclusion will help Pakistan overcome the absence of ace offspinner Saeed Ajmal who is suspended from international cricket after his bowling action was found illegal in September this year.

Gul is the second highest wickettaker in the shortest format of the game with 80 in 56 games, five behind Ajmal’s 85. He famously took 5-6 in a World Twenty20 group match against New Zealand at The Oval when Pakistan won the title in 2009.

Pakistan will hope their pace attack, which also includes the lanky Mohammad Irfan, supplements thebowling attack which has spinners in Raza Hasan and Shahid Afridi.

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Pakistan had a miserable World Twenty20 in Bangladesh where they failed to reach the last four for the first time in five editions of the tournament.

The result prompted captain Mohammad Hafeez to step down, giving the responsibility to all-rounder Afridi for a second stint.

But Afridi’s return as captain wasn’t auspicious as Pakistan lost the only Twenty20 against Australia in Dubai in October by six wickets.

Afridi said his side will not underestimate New Zealand who are without their dashing skipper Brendon McCullum, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, who have returned to New Zealand to prepare for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka.

“New Zealand is a dangerous limited overs side and we will not underestimate them,” said Afridi. “We have to be at our best to beat them.”

McCullum smashed a brilliant 202 to help New Zealand win the third and final Test in Sharjah on Sunday, levelling the three-match Test series 1-1.

Kane Williamson, who has led New Zealand in three one-day matches and two Twenty20s will lead New Zealand while Ross Taylor, fast bowler Adam Milne and batting all-rounder Anton Devcich return to the squad. Pacemen Mitchell McClenaghan and Kyle Mills and spinner Nathan McCullum will also boost New Zealand.

Pakistan have beaten New Zealand in six of their nine Twenty20s with three losses. After the second Twenty20, also in Dubai on Friday, both teams will play five one-day internationals from December 8.


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