Moin Khan asks out-of-form Afridi to take a break – Cricket News Update
Former Pakistan skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 to take a break from the game to regain his lost confidence.
Afridi, 32, has endured a torrid time with the bat and ball this year. In 15 One Day Internationals in 2012, the hard-hitting right-handed batsman, who is famous for scoring the fastest ODI century, off just 37 balls, has scored 182 runs at an average of 15.17, with only one half century – 51 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 in Dubai, in February. Four of his last five innings saw him falling for single digit scores, including two noughts. His leg-spin earned him just 15 scalps at an average of 43.13.
His performance in the shortest format of the game was equally miserable. In 11 T20Is played this year, Afridi scored 118 runs at an average of 13.11, and picked up eight wickets.
His worst performance came in the recently concluded http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, where he managed just 30 runs in five innings, including two ducks. His leg-spin was also ineffective, as he claimed just 4 wickets while conceding 171 runs in 24 overs bowled in the global tournament.
Afridi’s struggle with the bat and ball continued in the Champions League T20 qualifiers, where he turned out for English county http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hampshire-c789, scoring 0 and 14 and picking up two wickets.
Afridi’s extended lean patch, especially his poor form in the world cup, has invited criticism from all directions, with his detractors questioning his place in the squad. A number of former players have also advised the out-of-form all-rounder to quit international cricket.
But Moin Khan, a huge supporter of Afridi, did not agree with the suggestions that the latter should retire from international cricket. He rather advised the under-fire cricketer to take a break from the game and make a fresh comeback after spending some time away from cricket.
"I don't think he should retire. I sincerely believe he can still serve http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 tour fresh and confident," said Moin.
"I don't agree with this notion. Afridi is clearly short on confidence while batting and this is affecting his overall performance. He needs to take a break and regain his focus because he remains a valuable player for Pakistan," the former wicketkeeper batsman concluded.
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