Yousuf praises Afridi’s captaincy

Batsman also impressed by Shafiq’s batting.


Fawad Hussain April 01, 2011

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.

COMMENTS (2)

MAZEN GULZAR | 12 years ago | Reply Pakistan has done well under the captaincy of shahid afridi which previous pakistan squad failed to do so and lived upto nations expectations.Its good to see that senior players like mh yousaf giving good comments,now the question is this weahther to stick with these seniors like misbah and yunis or give young guns chance to prove themselves.In my opinion,after the horrendous performance given by these two heavy weights,these two seniors have to be derecruited and chance should be given to new talent as it ill be good for the future of pakistan cricket.
Shazada Malik Zahid Mahmoud Loan | 12 years ago | Reply A very well analysed and the most positive and commendable appraisal of Pakistan’s performance under Shahid Afridi. At least we have a great professional who knows what he is talking about. My advice would be to make Muhammed Yusuf a chair of PCB and Shahid Afridi a Manager – to prepare Pakistan for the next World Cup. The two would make a devastating pair – unrivalled in cricketing history. We need to get rid of the present, totally dishonest and corrupt officials running our cricket – especially given they have brought the game in to disrepute.
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