Afridi vows to standout with the bat
The Pakistan cricket Captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 vowed to shine with the bat in the upcoming knockout fixtures of the ICC World Cup 2010. The skipper stressed that he is working hard on his batting and the fans would see a better show from him in the upcoming matches.
The flamboyant all-rounder has just scored 65 runs in the six group matches.
“I see myself as a specialist bowler in this tournament,” Afridi said. “But I know that most people believe that I am a batsman first. My team also needs me to contribute with the bat which is why I’ll be working hard on my batting in the nets,” the Captain added.
Afrid has piled up 6638 runs in his 318 one-dayers, holding the record of scoring the fastest century in the history of 50-over cricket. Moreover, the right-hander has a very good track record in Sub-Continent but recent batting figures of 7, 16, 20, 17, 3 and 2 don’t represent the real class of explosive Afridi.
Pakistan thrashed Aussies by 4 wickets in their last group match but Afridi gifted his wicket to Jason Krejza after scoring just a couple runs.
“It was a bad shot, I know,” he said. “I’ll do much better next time,” the skipper intended.
After getting out in an ordinary way, the regretful Cornered Tigers’ Captain broke down his bat and helmet in the dressing room.
Afridi is leading the table of highest wicket-takers in the mega event. However; he has not scored a half-century in the World Cup matches. Waqar Younis, the coach of Pakistan team, remains a huge supporter of Afridi, although, recently the 31-years old player has been heavily criticized..
“If that shot would’ve gone over the ropes you would’ve said what a shot,” Waqar said.“That’s the way he plays. He is a striker of the ball, he hits it big, when it comes out right, it’s brilliant, but when it comes out wrong, it’s not right”, the coach added.
The continuously unpredictable performance of the Pakistani batting line-up has become a huge concern. Afridi would have to lead from the front and inspire his side with a stunning innings in the crucial match against West Indies.
The first quarter-final match is scheduled between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 in Mirpur, on Wednesday.
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