10:31am Monday 22nd June 2009
Shahid Afridi paid tribute to the influence of his captain Younus Khan after the all-rounder hit a half-century to help Pakistan claim the World Twenty20 title with an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at Lord’s.
Having played his part in a bowling performance that restricted the Sri Lankans to 138 for six, Afridi - following on from his heroics in the semi-final against the West Indies - was the hero again, top-scoring with 54 to carry the Pakistanis over the finish line.
Afridi admitted he had been struggling with the bat in recent years but his skipper had helped him to rediscover his form in this tournament.
”Younus gave me good confidence” Afridi told Sky Sports 1.
”I told him that I wanted to bat at number three in the order and he said ok, if you’re confident just go and play. Don’t worry about anything, just go.
”The guys really motivated themselves and Younus really supported the guys and told us to go and enjoy our cricket. Twenty20 is all about enjoyment and entertainment, if you do this then you perform well.
”The last two and a half, three years I have bowled really well but I was struggling with my batting. Younus really gave me good confidence and told me not to worry about anything and enjoy your cricket. He made it simple for me.”
Shoaib Malik (24) was the other man at the crease and admitted he was feeling the pressure towards the end but kept faith in his partnership with Afridi.
He said: “I think it was a pressure game. When I was on my way to batting I just kept thinking about that, that I had to stay there until the 20th over and I did it. The way Shahid was batting too was awesome.
”I was saying to him please stay at the wicket, if you stay at the wicket I will also get some runs and if we stand together I’m sure we can finish the game. He is a great cricketer.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.asianimage.co.uk