If we play with sincerity, we can win: Afridi

Pakistan all-rounder Afridi says team can prevail over Australia.

KARACHI: After head coach Dav Whatmore declared that his team has an edge over the Australians, Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has also expressed confidence ahead of the limited-overs series, saying the UAE conditions will suit the side in the tough rubber.

The former captain, who left the Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL) midway to join his ailing wife, left yesterday to join the team in Sharjah.

The three-match ODI series, which will be followed by the same number of Twenty20s, with the first game on August 28 in Sharjah. Afridi felt the team has a good chance of overcoming Australia.

“They are a world class side,” said Afridi. “But we have a good chance as we know the conditions better. All we need is to use our experience there to our advantage. We have a good Twenty20 side as well and if we play with sincerity we can win the series.”

The all-rounder said the players’ participation in SLPL will also prove to be helpful.

“It’s a different series but the participation kept the players in loop. We just need to gel as a team.” Commenting on his individual performance, Afridi said he has worked hard for the series.

“I’m aware that my performance is important and I’ll hopefully live up to expectations.”

The all-rounder, who holds the record of most sixes in ODI cricket and currently has 289 to his name, said he was desperate to complete the triple century. This is what I am aiming since a long time.”

Pakistan avoid morning, afternoon practice sessions 

Meanwhile, owing to the scorching heat, Pakistan are avoiding morning and afternoon practice sessions.

According to Pakistan team manager Naved Akram Cheema, a group of available players held the first practice session on Saturday evening.

“We decided to avoid day practice,” Cheema told The Express Tribune. “The heat is unbearable but the temperature gets better in the evening after which we start our practice.”

Akram joins team in Sharjah

Meanwhile, the manager confirmed that Mohammad Akram, who was recently appointed as bowling coached, joined the team on Sunday.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2012.