World T20: Greenshirts raring to go!

"When a captain does well, the team automatically improve their performance graph," says T20 captain Muhammad...

In a special presentation The Express Tribune brings to you the sentiments of Pakistan players taking part in the ICC WorldTwenty20, the squad members spoke exclusively to us about their goals, aims and ambitions ahead of the mega tournament.

The tournament in Bangladesh in the fifth world championship in the shortest format of the game, past winners include India, Pakistan, England and the West Indies.

Mohammad Hafeez: All-rounder (Captain) 



“To win a big tournament such as World T20 any team would need two things, one is momentum and second luck. My role will not change and I will aim to lead from front both with the bat and ball. When a captain does well, the team automatically improve their performance graph.” 

 

Ahmed Shehzad: Opening Batsman



“Aim is to play good cricket, to maintain my form and give cent percent in every match and to play as a unit and deliver to the absolute best. The match against India would be fantastic, and since we have beaten them in the Asia Cup, we see this as the opportune time to settle old scores with our arch rivals.”

 

Sohail Tanvir: All-rounder



“My aim is to strengthen fast bowling of the team, especially death overs with my experience. This is a job I have done well since starting my international career; the team goal is to win the event.”

 

Shahid Afridi: All-rounder



"After the Asia Cup performance the aim is to go all the way in World T20, my personal ambition is to continue performing with the bat and ball and make a difference through my rich experience, the defeat in the Asia Cup final hurt us all, but our focus is on this all important event "

 

Umer Gul: Fast Bowler



“Every match is crucial for us because we’re in a strong pool with West Indies, Australia and India the competition would get stiffer when Bangladesh or Afghanistan make our group. We’ll have to play every match as a final to break into semi-finals and from there on it’s all about putting up a good show and having luck on your side as well.”

 

Sohaib Maqsood: Middle-order batsman



“Pakistan has got a set top-order so I’ll have to chip in with good knocks in the middle-order to help my team post good totals or chase them. The Asia Cup didn’t go well for me but I’m confident that I can fire on all cylinders in the mega event and help team’s ambition of winning the tournament.”

 

Zulfiqar Babar: Spinner



“We’ve got world-class spinners in our side in Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Hafeez and I which makes Pakistan a formidable bowling attack in Bangladeshi conditions. Other teams have not seen a lot of me so that gives me an edge; my main goal is to end up as the leading wicket taker in the competition.”

 

Bilawal Bhatti: All-rounder



“The time spent on the side-lines in Asia Cup has taught me a new lesson and I’m keen to do well if given a run in the event. I want to cement my place in the team and whenever called on duty, I’ll give my 100% to prove that I can deliver even on dead pitches.”

 

Saeed Ajmal: Spinner



“I am eyeing more effective role in the ICC World Twenty20. I will go into the tournament with two targets. The prime one is to lift my team with my bowling and the other one is to reclaim my top rankings in the T20 format.

 

Kamran Akmal: Wicket-Keeper Batsman



“I played an important role in the World Twenty20 which we won four years ago and I am targeting the same contribution for Pakistan in this edition. I am in good batting form and very confident about performing as an opener but at the same time I am ready to play at any batting order.”

 

Shoaib Malik: All-rounder 



"It is tough to set challenges in this format which is the most unpredictable version.
I am just targeting a consistent performance throughout the tournament, a contribution that helps Pakistan."

 

Sharjeel Khan: Opening Batsman



“It is going to be a big tournament for me and I look forward to playing a key role for my side. It is my dream to play memorable knocks for my national team and I will give my best to avail this golden opportunity.” 

 

Junaid Khan: Fast Bowler



“The conditions in Bangladesh would be difficult for the fast bowlers but that doesn’t bother me. I love to perform in difficult conditions and situations. I will not make tall claims and all I have to say that I will give my hundred percent.”

 

Umar Akmal: Wicket-Keeper Batsman



“We won the tournament under Younus Khan before [2009] and hopefully we will achieve the same feat again under Mohammad Hafeez. Youngsters like me would be seeking guidance from players like Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal and Hafeez, under their guidance; I will try my level best.”

 

Mohammad Talha: Fast Bowler 



“I am raring to go in the World T20 and I’ve also recovered from my injury as I got cramps in Asia Cup but that is over now and I’m fully focused on the big task ahead, and would try my best to help the team with the coveted title”.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.