Shahid Afridi was optimistic about the team's chances in the 2016 World Twenty20. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Afridi credited the victory to the whole team when the men in green beat Sri Lanka by 29 runs in the first T20 of the two-match series in Colombo on Thursday.
"Credit goes to the boys," said Afridi.
"It was a great team effort and we build great partnerships.”
Afridi also praised individual performances in the post-match presentation ceremony.
“[Ahmed] Shehzad played an outstanding knock. Shoaib Malik took responsibility as a senior player. Umar Akmal also played a great innings,” added Afridi.
Read: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 29 runs, lead two-match series 1-0
The 35-year-old captain admired team management’s role in the recent success of the team.
“Team management is doing a great job and the boys are showing it works,” said Afridi. “The players know how important fielding is in today's game.”
Moreover, Afridi said he wants to field his best team in the 2016 World Twenty20.
“I want to see a strong bench for the World Twenty20 and it is good to see every player is capable of winning a game for Pakistan."
Man-of-the-match Sohail Tanvir said that it was his day and everything clicked.
"Everything worked well for me when I was bowling," said Sohail, who took three wicket for 29 runs in four overs.
"It swung for me in the first spell. Then slower balls and yorkers also did the trick. We got the wickets when we needed them.”
Sohail also thanked the captain and the coach for instilling confidence in him.
“Thanks to Shahid Afridi for the way he has supported me,” said a grateful Sohail. “Also thanks to Waqar [Younis] and Mushy [Mushtaq Ahmed]. I think I proved my selection right. We played well in all three departments and we couldn't have asked for more."
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan T20 captain Lasith Malinga was happy for the newcomers but not very satisfied with his own performance.
"Really happy for the newcomers," said Malinga.
"Especially Milinda [Siriwardana], Kapu [Kapugedera]. We didn't get off to a good start. Losing three wickets in three overs is not good. Our bowling was not too good. As an experienced campaigner, I have to bowl much better in these games."
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