Afridi turns the tide

Record-breaking all-rounder stars in Pakistan’s series-win, vows controversy-free future.

SHARJAH: While Sharjah cricket stadium was presented an award for hosting 200-plus One-Day Internationals (ODIs) – the first for a cricket stadium – Shahid Afridi was busy scripting his dream comeback in the middle of the stadium, becoming the first player to score a fifty and grab five wickets in a match twice.

Afridi reversed his conditional retirement from the game following Zaka Ashraf’s appointment as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and the reversal of fortunes in what seemed a lost cause in the fourth ODI gave the packed stadium a reason to revel under lights.

The all-rounder, who scored 75 off just 65 after coming in at 71 for five, endured a hurting knee to spin Pakistan to an unlikely 26-run win courtesy a five-wicket haul.

The former captain refused to talk about past controversies that led to his retirement but promised a controversy-free future.

“It’s time to play cricket,” Afridi told reporters in Sharjah after his man-of-the-match performance. “A lot has been said and heard and now I just want to focus on my game and carry on the good work. When I made my comeback, I had a lot to prove as I believe that action speaks louder than words.”

‘Great support from coach, captain’

Later, the former captain credited the team management for his match-winning performance in the penultimate match of the series.

“I received great support from my captain [Misbahul Haq] and coach Mohsin Khan who gave me the all-out support I wanted.

“I’m enjoying my cricket and delighted because my team won due to my performance. I’d been bowling well but batting was a concern and Misbah told me to play a long innings after the loss of early wickets. I’m happy I lived up to his expectations.”

Misbah concerned with batting show

Meanwhile, Misbah credited the team’s collective effort and dedication for the win but remained concerned by the team’s batting performance.

“It’s a team effort that is bringing vast improvement,” he said. “Everyone’s playing with dedication and responsibility.

“Our bowling is doing a wonderful job but the batting is a concern due to lack of consistency.”

Waqar Younis

“Afridi’s always been an exceptionally talented player but hasn’t done justice to his talent. In this series, he appears focused and wants to prove a point and that’s why he’s doing well.”

Misbahul Haq

“Afridi was excellent with bat and ball. He has performed in tough situations and is a match-winner for us. The good thing is that everyone’s playing with dedication and responsibility.”

 Tillakaratne Dilshan

“Afridi made a comeback in this series but his performance was fantastic. He’s good in bowling, batting and fielding as well and is a great cricketer for Pakistan.”

 Shahid Afridi

“I think action speaks louder than words, a lot has been said but now I want to be a good cricketer and want to perform. I’m overjoyed by the support in Sharjah where they cheered my singles.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2011.