Afridi eyes personal milestones - 8,000 runs, 400 wickets
Veteran also preparing to shoulder extra bowling responsibility
Afridi aims to reach 8000 runs and 400 wickets by the end of the World Cup this year. PHOTO: AFP
As all-rounder Shahid Afridi enters his last World Cup tournament, the mercurial sportsman aims to reach 8,000 runs and 400 wickets by the end of the mega event as personal milestones, Cricket Australia reported.
Turning 35 during the tournament, Afridi announced at the end of last year that this would be his last time contesting in the ODIs after his fifth World Cup.
The veteran is also preparing to shoulder extra bowling responsibility during the matches.
Entering the world of international cricket at just 16 in 1996, Afridi has been a consistent player. He made his presence felt across the world by smashing the then fastest-ever ODI century in his first innings at that level.
Having played 391 ODIs, the former Pakistan captain amassed 7,948 runs at 23.58 and a strike rate of 116 and also has 345 sixes under his belt. Further, he has taken 393 wickets at 33.96 and and an economy rate of 4.62.
Afridi still retains the capacity to take an attack apart, blasting 67 off 29 balls against New Zealand just over a week ago.
"As a senior player, I'm very motivated and I know how important this World Cup is for me and my nation," Afridi said adding, "I think I have a milestone as well to complete, 8000 runs and 400 wickets."
With neither Saeed Ajmal and Muhammad Hafeez participating in the World Cup this year, Afridi will shoulder the responsibility of being his side's main spin option.
RELATED: Muhammad Hafeez out of the World Cup after ankle injury
"For the last four or five years Saeed Ajmal, Hafeez and I have really done well as spinners and a bowling unit," Afridi said.
"I know there's big pressure on me, because I know no one is with me, but the last three or four years, I'm enjoying my bowling," he added further.
Turning 35 during the tournament, Afridi announced at the end of last year that this would be his last time contesting in the ODIs after his fifth World Cup.
The veteran is also preparing to shoulder extra bowling responsibility during the matches.
Entering the world of international cricket at just 16 in 1996, Afridi has been a consistent player. He made his presence felt across the world by smashing the then fastest-ever ODI century in his first innings at that level.
Having played 391 ODIs, the former Pakistan captain amassed 7,948 runs at 23.58 and a strike rate of 116 and also has 345 sixes under his belt. Further, he has taken 393 wickets at 33.96 and and an economy rate of 4.62.
Afridi still retains the capacity to take an attack apart, blasting 67 off 29 balls against New Zealand just over a week ago.
"As a senior player, I'm very motivated and I know how important this World Cup is for me and my nation," Afridi said adding, "I think I have a milestone as well to complete, 8000 runs and 400 wickets."
With neither Saeed Ajmal and Muhammad Hafeez participating in the World Cup this year, Afridi will shoulder the responsibility of being his side's main spin option.
RELATED: Muhammad Hafeez out of the World Cup after ankle injury
"For the last four or five years Saeed Ajmal, Hafeez and I have really done well as spinners and a bowling unit," Afridi said.
"I know there's big pressure on me, because I know no one is with me, but the last three or four years, I'm enjoying my bowling," he added further.