Sarfraz Ahmed hopes for overall improvement in ODI game

The last time Pakistan won an ODI series against New Zealand was back in 2011. Since then, Kane Williamson's side have been dominant – they beat Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates 3-2, and later, swept every bilateral series at home.

Pakistan, the No.1 side in the MRF Tyres ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings, have proved themselves time and again in the shortest format – they recently swept both Australia and New Zealand 3-0 in the UAE.

However, with the ICC Men's World Cup 2019 fast approaching, Ahmed wants to carry forward the T20I momentum in their remaining 18 ODIs ahead of the marquee tournament.

"It's very important for us (to turn the tide) and improve our ODI team performances," Sarfraz admitted. "We have to display good performances in the 18 matches ahead of the World Cup.

"Especially in this series, we should try to make the most of the momentum that we have got ... of course, this series will be very important for the World Cup preparations. A win here, that we call our home, will give us confidence when we travel to South Africa. Our preparations have begun for the World Cup already. As it is approaching near, we are working more on it."