ICC World Twenty20: Pakistan best team in the world, says Shahid Afridi
Ahead of ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, Shahid Afridi claims that his side will benefit from the win over India during Asia Cup before playing their opener against arch-rivals on March 21.
With just days to go for the ICC World Twenty20, flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi has made a tall claim that the current Pakistan outfit is the best limited-overs side in world cricket. (Afridi hopes for quick recovery from groin strain)
According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the mercurial 34-year-old, who powered his side to the final of the recently-concluded Asia Cup with two sensational knocks against India and Bangladesh, said, "I can't see a better (limited-overs) combination in the world than Pakistan because our bowling is good, batting is good but the only mistake we are doing that's in fielding and fielding is the most essential thing in limited-overs cricket." (Mohd Hafeez hopes for ideal start with win over India in World T20)
Afridi suffered a groin strain towards the end of the Asia Cup and played the final against Sri Lanka after taking pain-killers. He is expected to join the Pakistan squad in Bangladesh on Monday. (India, West Indies favourites, Pakistan have outside chance: Michael Vaughan)
"I am recovering well. I am sure I will play at least one warm-up match," the big-hitting all-rounder said. (Dhoni looks for perfect team combination ahead of Pakistan clash)
Opening their T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India will add a lot of pressure on the Pakistan side but Afridi remains confident of a good show.
"We will do our best, all will join in that effort in the India match. We won the last match against India and I think that will give us benefit," he said.
ICC's biggest event in 2014, the World T20 tournament proper will kick-start with the highly-anticipated tie between India and Pakistan at Mirpur on March 21.