DUBAI — Paceman Umar Gul's return boosts former world champion Pakistan against an under-strength New Zealand in the two Twenty20 internationals starting here Thursday. The 23-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. His inclusion will help Pakistan overcome the absence of ace off-spinner Saeed Ajmal who is suspended from international cricket after his bowling action was found illegal in September this year. Gul is the second highest wicket-taker 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 its pace attack, which also includes the lanky 7 feet, one inch (2.1m) Mohammad Irfan supplement the bowling attack which has spinners in Raza Hasan and Shahid Afridi. Pakistan had a miserable World Twenty20 in Bangladesh where it failed to reach the last four for the first time in five editions of the tournament. That 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 Pakistan will not underestimate New Zealand which is without its dashing skipper Brendon McCullum who, along with pacemen Tim Southee and Trent Boult, have returned to New Zealand to prepare for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. “New Zealand is a dangerous limited over side and we will not underestimate them,” said Afridi. “We have to be at out best to beat them.” 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. Pakistan has beaten New Zealand in six of its nine Twenty20s with three losses. After the second Twentyw20, also in Dubai Friday, both teams will play five one-day internationals. Jayawardene out of 3rd ODI Sri Lanka Cricket says batsman Mahela Jayawardene has pulled out of the third limited-overs international against England for personal reasons. The Sri Lankan board Tuesday said in a statement that Ashan Priyanjan has been added to the squad for the match to be played Wednesday in Hambantota. Jayawardene scored consecutive half centuries in the first two matches, which Sri Lanka won to lead the seven-match series 2-0. He made 55 in his team's 25-run win in the first match and hit an aggressive 77 not out in 80 deliveries to complete a crushing eight-wicket win in the second. — Agencies
