Don't think my T20 career is over: Misbah

Karachi:

Pakistan's Test captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, today expressed his interest to play in Twenty20 internationals and refuted suggestions that his career in the slam bang format was over.

"I definitely would like to play T20 cricket if the selectors give me an opportunity. It is their decision not to pick me in the T20 side. But I don't think my T20 career is over and I still feel I can contribute in this form of the game," Misbah told reporters in Lahore.

The senior batsman has been named captain of the Test team for the tour of New Zealand but has not been picked for the T20 matches.

The last time Misbah played in a T20 game was during the World Cup in the West Indies early this.

"I think T20 cricket remains a demanding part of the sport, which I would love to continue playing. If I get an opportunity I am willing to play and I know I can deliver," he said.

The Pakistan skipper is also expecting his bowlers to play key roles in New Zealand.

"I think the courage and guts our bowlers showed in bowling to a disciplined side like South Africa in the recent series in the UAE on dead tracks, they will definitely enjoy bowling in the New Zealand conditions and will make a big impact."

"We have the strength in our bowling and I am sure they will be key to our chances of winning the series in New Zealand," he said.

Misbah made it clear that the series against New Zealand would be crucial as that would give an indication of where Pakistan stand before next year's World Cup.

"I think since the England tour the players have done very well to recover from the unending scandals and controversies and have come back well and also regained their confidence."

"But if we can do well in New Zealand it will be put us in the right state of mind for the World Cup," Misbah said.

The Test captain said that the spate of defeats New Zealand suffered in recent times against India would make a difference in the coming series.

"They have been defeated and it is our chance to build up the pressure and beat them on their home ground. But beating New Zealand in their own backyard has never been easy because they excel on their home pitches and conditions," Misbah stated.

The senior batsman pointed out that the national training camp had helped gear up the boys for the upcoming tour as well as plan things ahead of the World Cup.

"We have been working very hard and we know just how important this tour is for us," Misbah said.