KARACHI:
Inspired by Shahid Afridi’s captaincy in the World Cup, former captain Mohammad Yousuf believes the all-rounder gelled the team well throughout the tournament with the semi-final run coming as a result.
Afridi was confirmed as the team’s captain just days before it left for the World Cup raising questions about the board’s trust placed in the all-rounder.
“Afridi’s captaincy was impressive throughout the tournament,” said Yousuf. “The decisions he made during the tournament are commendable. Afridi made the team a unit and under him it has been shaped well.”
‘Shafiq a welcome inclusion’
The veteran also praised the performance of middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq in the showpiece event.
“Shafiq is a good inclusion. In fact his inclusion in the team has resolved Pakistan’s batting problems to an extent. After a long time have Pakistan seen the talent of Shafiq’s calibre. He is technically sound and mentally strong.”
While commenting on the semi-final loss against India in Mohali, Yousuf said Shafiq’s wicket was crucial as it affected Pakistan’s run-chase.
“He was playing very well and looked set to score big. However, it was unfortunate to lose him. Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan, on the other hand, were not up to mark as they scored at a slow rate.”
Yousuf also felt the bowlers did their job but it was their batting that led the team down.
“India mostly scored over 300 runs in the tournament but our bowlers did a good job by restricting them to a low total. It was mainly Pakistan’s batting performance that was below-par.”
Meanwhile, Yousuf also admitted that he wished to be part of the team especially when it was in crisis.
“I wished to perform for the team in the middle-order especially in the match against India.”
The former captain, however, avoided answering queries regarding his future plans.
India are favourites
Giving his view on today’s final between India and Sri Lanka, Yousuf termed the former as favourites to win the World Cup. “India’s batting is very strong and they will be enjoying the home advantage which really matters in such games.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 2nd, 2011.
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