Santner Highlights Tri-Series as Key Preparation for Champions Trophy

Synopsis

New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner highlighted the forthcoming tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa as an essential opportunity to assess pitch conditions and prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The series starts on February 8 and runs until February 14, offering valuable practice for all teams involved.

Key Takeaways

Mitchell Santner emphasizes pitch understanding.
Tri-series features Pakistan and South Africa.
Series runs from February 8 to February 14.
Opportunity to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Excitement among players for home matches.

New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner expressed that the forthcoming tri-series featuring New Zealand, host nation Pakistan, and South Africa presents a valuable chance to understand the pitch conditions and effectively prepare for a key tournament like the upcoming Champions Trophy.

The opening match of the tri-series is scheduled for February 8, taking place at the newly built Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, running until February 14.

This 50-over tri-series, which is uncommon in the ODI calendar, offers all three teams a chance to fine-tune their skills ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins in Karachi with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19.

“We had a productive training session in Lahore under the lights and are looking forward to facing the home team on Saturday. It’s fantastic to be back in Pakistan, and we had a successful tour last time. The tri-nation series will offer us an excellent opportunity to analyze the wickets and prepare thoroughly for the upcoming major event,” Santner remarked in a statement from the PCB on Friday.

Mohammad Rizwan is aiming for his fourth consecutive ODI series victory since assuming captaincy of the Pakistan team in the 50-over format. “We are thrilled to play once again in front of our home crowd and in the newly inaugurated stadiums in Lahore and Karachi. Our preparations have been going well, and the players are eager to perform their best in this tournament leading up to the ICC event,” he noted.

South Africa, under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, arrived in Lahore early Friday morning and will have their first training session on Saturday, with additional players expected to join the squad after their commitments in the SA20 league.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our squad to prepare ahead of the major tournament. We have a diverse team, and this tri-nation competition will assist us in acclimating to the conditions before we prepare for the ICC event,” he added.

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