Afridi downplays captaincy row

Test captain praises all-rounder's leadership against New Zealand.

KARACHI: Pakistan limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi and Test skipper Misbahul Haq, the two contenders for leading the team in the World Cup, have downplayed the ongoing row and instead focused on staying united as the mega event approaches. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) delayed naming the World Cup captain with Afridi and Misbah as the two contenders, former players lashed out saying the decision was likely to harm team unity.

However, both Afridi and Misbah seemed least concerned with the debate in their latest comments.

Afridi, who has been tipped to retain the captaincy, said he was unperturbed.

“It would not be an issue for me if I’m removed as captain,” said Afridi. “It doesn’t make a difference whether Misbah leads the side or I lead the side because we both are playing for our country.”

“If I was hungry for leadership, I would have never given up the Test captaincy.”

Afridi also shrugged-off reports of differences with his deputy.“We don’t have any differences. He is a good player who remains focused on his job.”

Afridi keeping team united: Misbah

Meanwhile, Misbah praised Afridi’s leadership.“Afridi is making the team gel well and bringing out the best in the players. The team is united under him,” said the right-handed batsman.

After electing to bat first, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori had reason to feel his decision was justified as Martin Guptill (21) and Jamie How (13) raced to 40 in the seventh over.

But the innings soon fell apart in the face of a lethal spell from Wahab Riaz (three for 51) and Abdul Razzaq (one for 16). In the space of two overs New Zealand lost three wickets for four runs.

“We were 40 short on a very good deck,” said Vettori. “Lack of resources, lack of runs plagued us.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan captain was full of praise for his bowlers who restricted the hosts to a tractable target.

“Credit goes to the bowlers as well, keeping things quiet with the new ball on this great batting track,” he said.

Misbah, the man of the match, crafted a careful 93 and masterminded the victory. He put on 89 with Khan (42) for the fourth wicket and supported Tanvir to seal the final outcome.

“Things have worked well for me in recent times,” said Misbah. “I enjoyed batting on this wicket and playing with Younus. The teamwork is coming through – the skipper is doing very well. We have a good vibe leading to the World Cup.” AFP

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2011.