The Hindu : Sport : Afridi has brought the team together, says Misbah

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Afridi has brought the team together, says Misbah

Special Correspondent

Mohali: The 36-year-old Misbah-ul-Haq has seen and survived the fortune swings of the game. Down in the dumps not too long ago, he has, as the nation's Test captain, orchestrated Pakistan's revival as a strong cricketing force following the days of the spot-fixing scandal.

A team-man first, Misbah was all-praise for Pakistan's one-day skipper Shahid Afridi here on Sunday.

“He (Afridi) has brought the team together as a unit. He has taken the seniors into confidence and got the best of the younger cricketers. Afridi has bowled exceptionally well and has been aggressive with his strategy,” said Misbah.

On the question of whether fast bowler Shoiab Akhtar should figure in the eleven against India in the semifinal, Misbah said: “He does give the side a psychological advantage as a strike bowler. But the team-management will take a call on him closer to the match.”

Misbah said an India-Pakistan duel in the World Cup involved emotions of countless fans from both the countries. “Both the teams need to be at their best. It is a very big occasion.”

He was extremely appreciative of the gesture from the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, to invite his Pakistani counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani for the match.

Not among big runs

Misbah admitted that the Pakistani batsmen, unlike Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh, have not been among big runs in the competition so far.

He quickly added that a collective effort from the Pakistani batsmen could still propel the side into the final.

“Bowling is our strength and we have batsmen who can get the job done,” he said.

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