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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Afridi and Misbah latest Interview


Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said all players played their part in the series win against New Zealand
while vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq brushed aside rumours about groupings in the squad.

The Pakistan squad returned home from Auckland, New Zealand, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Talking to reporters at the Quaid-i-Azam International airport, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said all players played their part in the series win against New Zealand.

He added that the win gave him confidence to do well at the World Cup.

“All players contributed towards our win in New Zealand which gives us confidence that we can do well in the World Cup.

“You can never expect to win depending on just one or two players. Every player has to contribute in some way,” Afridi said.

“We were doing well in patches but were unable to win series. This time we managed to do that with collective effort.

“Don’t forget New Zealand are a very difficult side to beat at home,” he added.

Afridi said he was happy with the combination of players given to him for the World Cup and confident of lifting the trophy.

“We just need to continue doing our basics right. And with the nation praying for us, we are now among the favourites.” He said while the team could not ignore recent events off the field, they were trying to focus just on cricket.

“The team has become mentally tougher and is hungry for success,” the captain said.

Afridi said subcontinent pitches would give advantage to the Asian teams.

Misbah dismissed grouping rumours in the side and said all the players were united with their eyes set on the World Cup.

He dismissed rumours of rift among players over captaincy.

“The team was united and we played as a unit. There was no grouping of any sort,” he stressed.

The middle-order batsman who spearheaded the team in the Test series said the team badly needed a victory before the ICC mega event to boost its morale.

“I am enjoying my good form and would try my level best to perform,” he added.

Former skipper Younis Khan said he hoped Pakistan would win the World Cup because the side was in high spirit.

“If the team manages to repeat their NZ performance at the World Cup, we will then have high chances of clinching the trophy,” he concluded.

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