Pak vs NZ: Green shirts back in field with first practice session in Queenstown

After weeks of isolation and immense anticipation to resume cricket, the Pakistan cricket team got its first practice session in Queenstown on Wednesday morning when players picked for Shaheens’ squad flex their muscles in nets.

The players took maximum advantage of the opportunity and trained for three hours under the supervision of Shaheens’ coach Ejaz Ahmed. The batch picked for T20Is followed them for a session in the afternoon.

Pakistani cricketers remained in 14-days long strict isolation since their arrival in New Zealand. The players were expecting exemption to train during isolation, as committed initially, but it was denied after coronavirus cases emerged in the squad.

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Players looked excited and energetic to get back on the cricket field. Speaking about the frustration a player has to go through during weeks of isolation, cricketer Haris Sohail said: “14- days isolation was as difficult for us as it would have been for any other sportsperson."

"The moment we were told that isolation is over and we could return to cricket, everyone in the squad was excited and looked forward to the practice sessions," he shared, adding that the team had a very good opening session today and were happy to get back on the field.

The left-handed batsman said that the players are looking to get themselves adjusted to the conditions before the action begins.

Pakistan Shaheens will play four day game against New Zealand A from 17th December while Pakistan’s national team will play 1st T20I against New Zealand on 18th December.