DUBAI: New Zealand's stand-in ODI and T20I captain Kane Williamson felt that his side will carry the momentum from the Sharjah Test win in the limited-overs series.
"It sort of different side in this occasion where a few players have gone home and are rested and it is quite a different squad. Coming off the back of a win is a nice feeling. The challenges that lie here are very different as well so we are looking forward to it.
"I think the Test was a nice victory and you have some nice feelings coming after a good victory. But we have a very different side and a very different format, so our focus is very much with what’s on front of us. Although it’s very nice to come off the back of a victory, the challenge is very different. It’s probably not that relevant going into a T20 match," added Williamson.
With the likes of Tim Southee and Trent Boult going back a new set of bowlers who have been given a chance to play in the limited-overs format. Williamson is excited about the new set of bowlers.
"We have got some exciting young talented bowlers and couples of experienced players have gone home and that provides a great opportunity. In the recent one dayers we have been playing with big squads some of the guys have been getting under their belt and it is a great opportunity for them and also very good experience to play in this part of the world,'' revealed Williamson.
The focus of all teams right now is the ODI World Cup, but the two-match T20I series holds a special significance for Williamson.
"I think any time you represent your country it is a honour and privilege and deserves the respect of the match that is played so it is very match focus going into these T20 games but like you said I suppose that there will be in the back of everyone’s mind as One-day cricket is a priority for most teams and so I think it is a change of format it is still cricket and still to lots to gain from these T20s going into the One-day series."
Despite the loss in the Sharjah Test, Pakistam was rated high by Williamson.
"Pakistan have shown time and time again in this part of the world that they are certainly a force in all formats it will be an exciting one day competition and there is a lot of new face and lot of fresh faces. So all the guys are looking forward to the games coming up."
Williamson was excited about the challenge of being captain of New Zealand. "It’s very exciting and a privilege to captain the side. There is a lot of new faces and also lot of very experienced players in the team as well. So lot of young talent there I am sure throughout the five games we can start to challenge and put performance on the board," opined Williamson.
New Zealand captain Williamson was looking forward to utilising his spin attack effectively in the limited-overs series.
"Spinners are obviously different from the Test matches so I guess it will be new experience for most players but certainly spin will play a big part and also facing the Pakistan spinners so I am sure that will be a big part of the game as it has happened in the recent series."
Williamson was looking forward to playing at a 'brilliant' Dubai International Stadium. But at the same time he said the side would miss Brendon McCullum, the regular captain.
"I think it is good for Brendon to head home and get some time off. But he is obviously a fantastic leader for our side and ultimately he is the captain. Although it is a privilege to step in as captain for this series, Brendon has been setting things in place and moving the team forward and I suppose this is just a matter of taking over that baton a little bit. Although Brendon is not there and his skill and leadership will be missed, we have got a lot of experience in the team. There are the likes of Kyle Mills, Danny Vettori and Ross Taylor and various other players who have played a huge amount of cricket."
The past few days have been all about the grieving process following Phillip Hughes' death. But Williamson said there was a sense of closure that is now coming in.
"I think the initial shock was obviously evident in the game that was just played and naturally the grieving process moves forward and with time comes the healing. I think it is perhaps a closure with the funeral and the thoughts etc with the people closest to Phil and the boys obviously it is still reasonably fresh and though we do think in bits and pieces same time we are looking forward to the cricket coming up," concluded Williamson.
