Veteran fast bowler Trent Boult will attempt to "mirror" Pakistan bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi's masterclass when New Zealand face India in a crucial T20 World Cup clash on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shaheen, like Boult a left-arm paceman, conjured up a mesmerising early spell to dismiss Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul as Pakistan routed India by 10 wickets last weekend.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now 32-year-old Boult said he will try to mimic that performance against Virat Kohli's team in a game which is key to both sides' hopes of making the semi-finals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I thought the way Shaheen bowled the other night from a left-armer, watching on I thought it was amazing," said Boult.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Early wickets are definitely the focus for us as a bowling group. Hopefully, from my point of view, it swings around a little bit and I can mirror what Shaheen did the other night."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pakistan, meanwhile, are almost certain to make the semi-finals after convincing wins over India, the Kiwis and Afghanistan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Boult has been impressed by Pakistan in the first week of the Super 12 tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While many observers see England, India and Australia as the favourites, Babar Azam's Pakistan who have taken the World Cup by storm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand lost to Pakistan by five wickets in midweek in Sharjah after being dismissed for 134.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That day it was not Shaheen but fellow fast bowler Haris Rauf causing havoc with 4-22.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Their bowlers bring a lot of pressure, a lot of accuracy. The batting unit definitely hungry to put on a decent score, and really put some pressure on the opposition," said Boult who had 1-25 from his four overs in that game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"But the way Pakistan have gone about their business in this tournament so far, they've really set the tone."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand have enjoyed a big-match edge over India in recent years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They claimed an 18-run win in the 2019 50-over World Cup semi-finals and then clinched the World Test Championship final by eight wickets earlier this year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n