Pakistan will look to start afresh putting behind the one-day international series nightmare when they take on Bangladesh in a one-off Twenty20 International match in Mirpur today. Shahid Afridi will lead a relatively experienced side with the return of himself, Sohail Tanvir and Ahmed Shehzad, who he believes can turn their fortune in their favourite format.‘I think that’s [ODI series] gone. It is history now,’ said a determined Afridi ahead of the game as he takes over the reign from Azhar Ali, who led the side to a 0-3 humiliation in one-dayers.
‘It is a new format now. And we have a very good combination in T20. I am very positive and confident that we will do well,’ said Afridi.
‘Tomorrow will be a good game. I am not saying we will win one-sided. It will be a good game. T20 is all about opportunities, if you get one, don’t miss it,’ said the all-rounder.
Pakistan have a long history of doing well in the Twenty20 format, having won 50 of their 85 matches compared to just 11 wins of Bangladesh, who have played 41 games.
The Tigers could never come out successful against Pakistan in their seven previous meetings in this format.
Afridi, however, is aware that these are only numbers and he will have to do something miraculous to lift the morale of the side after ODI thrashings.
‘The dressing room atmosphere is very positive,’ Afridi said, albeit without any conviction, before going to give Bangladesh some credit for their deserving success.
‘No doubt Bangladesh are playing very well at the moment,’ said Afridi. ‘They are playing as a team. ‘They did well in the World Cup and are having good momentum.’
Afridi suggested that his players don’t need to come up with exceptional performances to beat the hosts but just need to play according to their potential.
The all-rounder is willing to share some burden on his own shoulders in order to reverse the fortune of the team, who are still without a win in the tour, having not only lost the ODIs, but the preceding warm-up match as well.
‘I have to perform very well because my performance has always helped Pakistan,’ said Afridi.
‘Everyone doesn’t need to give a lot of performance but if 11 players can give enough performance, it will help us win,’ he said.
Afridi added that the arrival of the seniors is sure to make the difference as he feels the Twenty20 squad is stronger than the ODI’s.
‘At the moment, I am saying yes, T20 team is better than ODI side,’ he said adding that the team suffered because they entered a transitional period like many other teams.
‘It is not easy. Australia struggled for a year-and-a-half after few of their senior players left the team. They didn’t know how to win tournaments, if you see past performances of the Australia side,’ he said.
‘If 2-3 Bangladesh players are moved, they will start struggling again. I think senior players have done well in the past.’
-With New Age input
