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Our bowling has been a positive: Afridi

ABU DHABI - Pakistan Twenty20 and ODI captain Shahid Afridi was disappointed with his own batting after the top order failed in the two Twenty20 Internationals against South Africa.

Pakistan’s frail looking batting order failed to fire for the second time running on Wednesday night as they lost the second Twenty20 International of the Bank Al Falah presents Cool and Cool Cup by six wickets, and with it the T20 segment of the series.

Afridi, the darling of the masses in this part of the region, lasted just three balls, compared to a neat cameo of 25 off seven balls, the previous night.

“We missed some good opportunities. We failed to score runs on a good wicket. My performance was very crucial for the team and I did not deliver. We tried to play some good, positive cricket and I’m happy, especially with the bowlers. “They are bowling very well, especially on wickets like this, where the batsman can score easy runs. But the bowlers really bowled well. At least we are doing something positive and I hope we will come back strong in the ODIs since we have good talent and good temperament bowlers who can play 50 overs,” Afridi said.

Afridi said that a good start to the innings was key against South Africa but added that he was not here to give reasons and he needed to fire .

“The main thing is we need a good start. Our batsmen are not playing up to their potential. Razzaq and I are usually comfortable when we come in the middle when there are another seven to eight overs remaining. But coming in earlier than that, we are left confused and are caught in two minds. But, then again, I am not giving a reason. I should have performed since my performance was very vital for the team,” said the Pathan.

Afridi said that the squad was selected keeping the ODIs in mind. “When the team was announced, the focus was on the five ODIs.

“When the combination was done, it was the ODIs in mind. We have Younis Khan who will feature in the ODIs and Mohammed Yousuf too might come back,” he said. Afridi insisted that they were playing as a team. “We are playing as a team,” said Afridi.

Afridi defended the move on not giving all-rounder Abdur Razzaq a run with the ball in the second T20, saying that the conditions did not suit him. Razzaq bowled just two overs, giving away 20 runs in the first T20.

“Usually, we give Razzaq the new ball. But, in this case, he was not finding his line here. In English conditions, 
he knows where to bowl and how 
to get the ball to swing. Here, the situation and the conditions were a bit different. Afridi said that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) new code of conduct was good for the team. “It might be difficult to a certain extent but it will surely discipline one’s life and it’s a good thing to be done. They have done it for the betterment of the players, especially during the tough time our team is going through. For example, when kids do something wrong, we have to be strict towards them. “So, I’m sure that whatever the board is doing is for the good of the team,” he said.

The Pakistan skipper added: “It is not like I can’t even step out of the room. Without enjoying your cricket you can’t play it. I think our management has done a good job and the coach has provided a good ambience to the boys. So, I only wish that whatever is done happens for the good of the team and involving everyone and for the betterment of the team. When you work in unity, it does a lot of good things for the team as well as the country.”

james@khaleejtimes.com