Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez insists no praise is too high for India great Sachin Tendulkar, but it will not stop his side from targeting the batsman in the semi-final.
Adding to Wednesday’s hugely-anticipated clash is the knowledge that Tendulkar needs just one more three-figure innings to become the first batsman to score a 100 international hundreds.
“You can say anything you want about Tendulkar, but whatever you say in praise of him will be inadequate. He is a great player,” said Hafeez.
“Obviously, on that day, whoever the opponent might be, you have some strategies for him.
“Whatever the captain will tell us, we will follow that,” added off-spinner Hafeez, who could find himself bowling first up at Tendulkar if he is given the new ball.
“I think he is at the top of his game and I think we all should admire how he has maintained his standards throughout a long career.”
However, bullish Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi - the tournament’s top wicket-taker - was adamant Tendulkar would be kept waiting for his latest landmark achievement.
“He will have to wait until after the World Cup. We will make sure no batsman plays a long innings,” leg-spinner Afridi had said.
Pakistan have reached the semi-finals despite a turbulent few months that saw new-ball bowlers Mohammad Asif and teenager Mohammad Amir banned for their roles in last year’s spot-fixing scandal in England.
“The key is that for the last six to seven months, as a unit, we have been gelling very well,” explained Hafeez.
“We support each other and when you play together, you understand each others’ games.
“There’s a will as players that we must send across the message that we’re a strong nation and we are representing it.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 28th, 2011.
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