http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Canada-c748
The flamboyant http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Green-c60723 will be looking to extend their winning start to the ICC World Cup, 2011 by crushing minnows Canada today at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Having won both of their games so far, Pakistan are leading the points table of Group A with four points. Another two points against tournament outsiders, Canada could cement the team’s place in the quarter-finals, after a gap of almost 12 years.
But Afridi has warned his men not to be complacent as it could cost them dearly and has urged them to carry on the good work.
“If we think Canada is easier then I fear complacency might creep in, so we have to be at our best and carry on the good work,” said Boom Boom Afridi.
Pakistan’s build-up to the showpiece event was not at all satisfactory as the side reached the Subcontinent with a number of off-field controversies at their back, spot-fixing and the captaincy issue being the biggest one.
Looking at their tumultuous lead-up to the tournament, most of the cricket pundits rated them non-favourites for the mega event. But their stunning victories against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 told the followers of the game that the World Champs of 1992 and World T20 champions of 2009 still have the potential to defeat any side.
And the credit must be given to the vivid Pakistan captain who is leading the side from the front, picking up nine wickets from just two games.
Afridi said that Pakistan are in high spirits after beating tournament favourites and joint hosts, Sri Lanka last Saturday. However, he added that the side would have to take every game seriously and keep the momentum going as there is still a long way to go in the mega event.
Pakistan are also struggling with some injuries and Afridi hinted at playing an altered squad against Canada.
“Some changes might happen for that game, but we still want to have such a combination where we give fast bowlers a chance as well. We can experiment with future games in mind,” he said.
Left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman is battling a muscle injury that he sustained during his 11-run win over Sri Lanka and the vice-captain has picked up a minor hamstring injury. Saeed Ajmal and Asad Shafiq are likely to replace the injured players.
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