LAHORE: Emerging fast bowler Akif Javed has set his sights on dismissing New Zealand`s star batter Kane Williamson, calling it his `dream wicket`, as Pakistan`s nine-member squad concluded a short training camp at the LCCA Ground on Friday ahead of their One-day International series in New Zealand.

The group, led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, will depart on March 23 to join the national team`s other players, who are currently trailing 2-1 in the ongoing five-match T20I series against the Black Caps.

The three ODIs, scheduled from March 29 to April 5, will follow the T20I leg, with Pakistan aiming to build momentum after a record ninewicket win in the third T20I on Friday.

`I`ve set Williamson`s wicket as my main target.

It would be a dream to dismiss him,` said Akif, who is yet to earn an international cap despite consistent domestic performances.

Reflecting on Pakistan`s recent T20I victory, the 24-year-old added: `The young talent stepping up is a positive sign, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching.

This win has boosted our morale as we head to New Zealand.

Hailing from Kurk, Kohat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Akif`s journey has been marred by setbacks, including a nearmiss with national selection due to injury.

`My name was in contention earlier, but an injury derailed my chances. I didn`t lose hope, and by God`s grace, I`m back, he said.

Akif also told that he is inspired by legendary pace trio of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.

`I initially wanted to emulate Shoaib Akhtar, but I`ve also learned a lot from Mohammad Amir, the left-hand pacer revealed.

He credited senior players Babar Azam and Rizwan for refining his line and length during the camp, while praising former captain Misbah-ulHaq for backing him during his stints with domestic teams.

Akif`s cricketing journey began with tape-ball cricket before transitioning to hard-ball, supported financially by his brother in Dubai.

`My brother covered my expenses when I moved to Peshawar for better training. People believed in my talent and pushed me to switch to hard-ball cricket,` he shared.

Despite modest averages in domestic cricket, Akif`s wicket-taking ability stands out: 33 scalps in 30 List-A games, averaging 36, while claiming 59 wickets in 25 first-class matches at an average of 41.74.

He also took 84 wickets in the Twenty20 format at an average of 23.53.

Camp attendees: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Akif Javed and Tayyab Tahir.