‘Pakistan in the right groove’

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi says the team's morale is high before the World Cup.

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said that his team was confident of reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup after gaining the necessary momentum in the One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand.

The all-rounder, speaking at a press conference in Lahore along with manager Intikhab Alam and coach Waqar Younis, believed the 10th edition of cricket’s showpiece event could be won by maintaining the same level of enthusiasm that the team has displayed so far.

“I’m confident that we will play the semi-finals,” said Afridi, who will feature in his fourth World Cup as the team departed for Dhaka via Dubai last night. “We just need the same level of energy and passion that we displayed in New Zealand.”

After getting a beating in the first ODI, Pakistan secured a 3-2 win to seal a series in New Zealand for the first time in 17 years.

“We played like a team and can earn good results by maintaining the same attitude.”

Afridi, however, felt the upcoming tournament would be a tough task for his team. “We will be up against the best teams of the world. There are favourites such as India, Sri Lanka, Australia and South Africa who are all playing well and it is going to be an uphill task for us. All we need is to focus on cricket.”

The experienced all-rounder, who has played 312 ODIs, also hinted the team will stick to the same combination that was formed during the New Zealand series.

“There’s no time for experiments. Only players who didn’t get enough chance will be tested in the warm-up matches,” said the 30-year-old while welcoming fast-bowler Junaid Khan’s inclusion in place of Sohail Tanvir. “Junaid is a promising bowler who impressed on the domestic circuit. Waqar’s presence would help him in picking up things quickly.”

Captain seeks support, slams ex-cricketers

To a query, Afridi called for all-out support for his team and slammed former players who make comments without proper homework.

“Those ex-cricketers who are criticising me must do their homework before making any comments. I was the best performer with both bat and ball last year. The team needs support from the whole country right now.”

Fielding remains main concern: Waqar

Meanwhile, the coach said that the team’s fielding remained his main concern. “We are batting and bowling well at the moment and my main focus is on fielding which needs improvement,” said Younis.  “The momentum is with us. The team has the potential and we have a realistic chance of winning the World Cup.”

Younis also defended Afridi’s decision after the captain won the toss, which have backfired on various occasions in the recent ODIs.

“Toss does not decide who’s going to win. It’s determined by the performance.”

Team cautioned over misconduct: Intikhab

Citing a series of disciplinary issues involving Pakistan players that has plagued the team, Pakistan manager said the team has been cautioned.

“The players have been given a lengthy briefing over discipline and I hope the campaign is trouble-free,” said Alam.

Shahid Afridi

“Ex-cricketers who are criticising me must do their homework before making any comments. I was the best performer with both bat and ball last year. The team needs support from the whole country right now.”

Waqar Younis

“The spot-fixing case is over. That episode should be removed from our heads. The focus should be on the World Cup right now. This team has the potential and we have a realistic chance of winning.”

Wasim Akram

“In this World Cup, the competition will be among Watson, Pathan and Razzaq. These three can make or break their team’s fortunes. A few individuals will have to play leading roles for Pakistan.”

Basit Ali

“Junaid Khan is talented but the World Cup could possibly make or break him. On the subcontinent pitches we don’t need so many fast-bowlers because key role will be played by the batsmen and spinners.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2011.