No room for excuses in ODIs against South Africa: Afridi
Seasoned all-rounder says everything is in Pakistan’s favour in UAE.
Shahid Afridi aims to contribute with both bat and ball for Pakistan against South Africa in the ODI series. PHOTO: WICB
KARACHI:
Pakistan are in tatters as South Africa scent an innings victory in the second and final Test to make things even.
The conclusion to the final Test will be followed by a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series and former captain Shahid Afridi has stressed that Pakistan should dominate the contest.
“We don’t have any excuses in the UAE,” said the experienced all-rounder. “As an individual or as a team, we can’t make excuses of conditions or pitches since everything is in our favour in South Africa.
“We will have to give a good performance and I think we should be able win the series.”
Commenting on his individual aims, Afridi stated that he was aware of the importance of his performance for team.
“As an individual, I will say I must perform in the upcoming series.“I am looking to perform for the side as both a batsman and a bowler. I will try to play a positive game according to my strengths.” The former captain said any result in the final Test will hardly make an impact on the one-dayers.
“The result can’t be predicted but I hope Pakistan are able to win the second match too.
“However, in any case, it will not make a huge impact on the ODIs because the formats are different.
“A series victory would boost the morale but either way, the team will have to come with a new frame of mind and strategy for the ODI series.”
‘Youngsters not ready to replace Misbah’
Speaking on the captaincy for World Cup 2015, he felt there was a need of a senior player to lead the team in the major event.
“I don’t see any youngster at the moment, who can be termed as captain for the 2015 World Cup,” said Afridi, who led the team to the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup.
“Misbah is doing a good job as captain. He is super fit and has become an example for the youngsters.
“I will say the board must give any chosen captain at least a year’s time and the appointment must not be made on the basis of a series.”
He also stressed the need for strong preparations for next year’s World Twenty20 which will be held in Bangladesh.
“There is not much international Twenty20 cricket before the tournament so we can arrange special domestic events for preparations.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 25th, 2013.
Pakistan are in tatters as South Africa scent an innings victory in the second and final Test to make things even.
The conclusion to the final Test will be followed by a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series and former captain Shahid Afridi has stressed that Pakistan should dominate the contest.
“We don’t have any excuses in the UAE,” said the experienced all-rounder. “As an individual or as a team, we can’t make excuses of conditions or pitches since everything is in our favour in South Africa.
“We will have to give a good performance and I think we should be able win the series.”
Commenting on his individual aims, Afridi stated that he was aware of the importance of his performance for team.
“As an individual, I will say I must perform in the upcoming series.“I am looking to perform for the side as both a batsman and a bowler. I will try to play a positive game according to my strengths.” The former captain said any result in the final Test will hardly make an impact on the one-dayers.
“The result can’t be predicted but I hope Pakistan are able to win the second match too.
“However, in any case, it will not make a huge impact on the ODIs because the formats are different.
“A series victory would boost the morale but either way, the team will have to come with a new frame of mind and strategy for the ODI series.”
‘Youngsters not ready to replace Misbah’
Speaking on the captaincy for World Cup 2015, he felt there was a need of a senior player to lead the team in the major event.
“I don’t see any youngster at the moment, who can be termed as captain for the 2015 World Cup,” said Afridi, who led the team to the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup.
“Misbah is doing a good job as captain. He is super fit and has become an example for the youngsters.
“I will say the board must give any chosen captain at least a year’s time and the appointment must not be made on the basis of a series.”
He also stressed the need for strong preparations for next year’s World Twenty20 which will be held in Bangladesh.
“There is not much international Twenty20 cricket before the tournament so we can arrange special domestic events for preparations.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 25th, 2013.