http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 hopes to win one-day series in New Zealand
Pakistan’s one-day international (ODI) and Twenty20 skipper Shahid Afridi has pledged to win the six-match ODI series in New Zealand against the hosts.
The Pakistan skipper emphasised the importance of the series, given that it is the last major ODI tournament that Pakistan will play before the Cricket World Cup, which is set to begin from 19
February.
The flamboyant all-rounder said, “The series is very important because it’s the last before the World Cup. We will try to win maximum matches to gain the confidence ahead of the important event.”
Afridi was speaking to the local media as he prepared to leave for New Zealand along with fellow all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, pacer Shoaib Akhtar, Kamran Akmal, Ahmed Shahzad and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal. Ajmal had to return home before the start of the two-match
Test series due to the demise of his father.
Afridi stressed the need to stay positive in order to beat the Kiwis in their own backyard. He termed the black caps as a very tough side to beat when they play at home. He said, “New Zealand is a very good limited-overs side especially at home. All the
players will have to play a part as victory would only come through collective effort.”
The 30-year-old was however, critical of his own performance and vowed to perform better in the series. For Afridi, the ODIs are going to be tough on a personal note because he has been struggling with his form, and failed to give an impressive performance
in the Twenty20 and ODI series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 at the start of the tour.
Afridi told reporters, “Performance of a captain counts a lot in the team’s overall performance and I am looking forward to contributing as a team member as well.”
The skipper has been facing immense criticism from former http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 cricketers, who have questioned his leadership abilities, after he led the team to a 2-1 defeat in the Twenty20 series in New Zealand.
Veterans like http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972 as the ODI captain for the upcoming World Cup in the sub-continent.
Legendary fast bowler http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wasim-Akram-c96292 criticised Afridi’s captaincy and believed that the current skipper lacked leadership qualities. Talking to the press after Pakistan had lost the Twenty20 series Akram said, “One saw a lack of leadership in the team and
the players also did not play to their ability. If they continue playing this way then they will also lose the Test and ODI series in New Zealand."
However, Wasim didn’t back the idea of sacking Afridi before the World Cup. “I feel that changing the captain so close to the World Cup will cause great damage to the national team and its chances in the tournament." Akram said.
Former wicketkeeper Moin http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Khan-c71319 didn’t appreciate the way Afridi was openly criticising the players in the post-match ceremonies. He urged the skipper to keep his cool and discuss all the matters with the players within the boundaries of the dressing room.
Team manager Intikhab Alam also urged Afridi to lead the national squad by example. He stressed that the struggling skipper would face a tough time in the ODIs against the Black Caps. “It’s always a challenge for the captain to lead from the front. Naturally,
a captain has to perform well and it’s important to guide his team through tough times and due to that, the ODI series would be a challenge for Afridi.” Alam said.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also put the future of the ODI/ Twenty20 skipper in a limbo by releasing a statement in which the board clearly stated that it had not reached a consensus on retaining Afridi as the skipper for the World Cup. The board
is yet to make an announcement regarding the appointment of a captain for the World Cup.
Afridi, however, has requested the seniors to mellow down their criticism and back the team for the World Cup.
Afridi admitted the fact that his side had been unsuccessful in winning cricket tournaments, but added that all they needed were some wins under their belt to regain their confidence. The all-rounder said, “We were not impressive but I’m looking
at the positives. We won the third match comprehensively which lifted our morale. Our victory in the last Twenty20 lifted the morale which can be seen in Tests. Similarly, the result of the Test series will reflect in the ODI series.”
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