World Twenty20: ‘Pakistan biggest threat for opponents’

Ajmal says teams fear his side the most in shortest format.

KARACHI:

The focus of the global cricket fraternity has shifted to the slam-bang format of the game as the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 approaches, with the qualifying stage set to begin on March 16.

Not bearing any two-time winners in the previous four championships, the fifth edition is also an open competition, with no particular team starting as the pre-tournament favourite.

But for Saeed Ajmal, Pakistan will be a force to reckon with when it comes to the shortest version of the game.

Pakistan won the event in 2009 under Younus Khan’s captaincy, taking the throne from arch-rivals India. The next two tournaments were claimed by England and the West Indies respectively.

“It’s the most unpredictable format in this unpredictable game,” Ajmal told The Express Tribune in a candid interview.

“There are no favourites, and the team which remains consistent will win.

“But at the same time, I feel Pakistan will start the event with a lot of confidence for a number of reasons.

“I believe the other countries are afraid of us in this mega tournament since we have a very good track record in the format and the World Twenty20.

“We also have a balanced side, with match-winning players in both batting and bowling. Shahid Afridi’s timely form with the bat has made us even stronger. Lala’s form is a huge morale-booster.”

The veteran spinner reposed confidence in Mohammad Hafeez’s captaincy, saying the side progressed well under the seasoned all-rounder.

“In all, we are a winning package and I am hopeful that we will bring home the trophy.”

‘Not perturbed with short boundaries’

The conditions in Bangladesh proved challenging for the bowlers in the recently-concluded Asia Cup.

With boundaries set to shorten in the shortest format the test will become even tougher particularly for the spinners.

“Batsmen are at more of an advantage nowadays, the task is becoming tougher for the bowlers.

“As far as I am concerned, I am not bothered by short boundaries or any other rules that go in the batsmen’s favour. All I look for is to maintain a good line and length to curb the batsmen.”

Injured Afridi to miss warm-up games

Pakistan are hoping for Afridi’s recovery ahead of their opening clash against India on March 21.

The charismatic all-rounder, who suffered from a groin injury during the Asia Cup, has been advised complete rest for at least four to five days by the doctors.

The all-rounder is unlikely to travel with the team that is scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on March 14. Afridi, who will also miss the warm-up games against New Zealand and South Africa, is expected to leave for Lahore on Thursday to consult a doctor.

“I am hopeful that I will recover in time for our campaign opener,” said Afridi.

“It will be a crucial game for us and I am looking forward to being part of the crunch match.”

Shahid Afridi

“I am hopeful that I will recover in time for our campaign opener. It will be a crucial game for us and I am looking forward to being part of the crunch match.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2014.

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