India vs Pakistan World T20: Javed Miandad Backs Shahid Afridi to Deliver Knockout Punch
He may not have been amused by Shahid Afridi's 'More Loved in India' comment, but Javed Miandad thinks the Pakistan captain can deliver the killer blow if he bats higher up in the order.
Javed Miandad, Pakistan cricket's warrior prince, may have criticised Shahid Afridi for his 'India love' comments, but when it comes to Saturday's derby, the former Pakistan captain feels the maverick Pathan has the ability to deliver India a knockout punch from ICC World T20. (World T20: Javed Miandad Slams Shahid Afridi for 'Loved in India' Comment; Lawyer Files Case Too)
Miandad has had a love-hate relationship with several cricketers. The famous Karachi-Lahore divide has often fractured the bonhomie in the Pakistan dressing room with stories of rebellion and insult abounding. There have been times when the national side has had seven captains playing at the same time. (Never Felt Threatened in Kolkata, Says Javed Miandad Ahead of India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Derby)
Known for his passion and die-hard nature, Miandad has fought tooth-and-nail on and off the pitch. He was quick to react to Afridi's pro-Indian fan comment after the Pakistan team landed in Kolkata after India assured it full security.
Speaking on NDTV, Miandad said "love from motherland can never be denied" and hence he was upset with what Afridi said. Yet, Miandad, who has seen the evolution of 36-year-old Afridi as a cricketer, feels the boom-boom all-rounder had the skills to take the World T20 by the scruff of its neck.
"Pakistan played very well in their first match (against Bangladesh). They surely learnt from the past. They did not play well in the Asia Cup. But they are looking good now," Miandad said.
Miandad backed Afridi to lead Pakistan's batting against India. "I have always said that he needs to bat higher up the order. If he plays at No. 3, he will get maximum number of balls to play and that can be dangerous for the opposition," said Miandad.
"I can say that it will be a tit-for-tat game and since India have lost their first match (against New Zealand) they will be under pressure. The World Cup is still open," said Miandad.
Against Bangladesh, Afridi batted at No. 4 and scored a 19-ball 49 (four boundaries and four sixes) that helped Pakistan post 201 for five wickets. He took 2 for 27 in his four overs to emerge Man of the Match.
If Afridi, surely in the twilight of his tumultuous career, can manage his temperament and as Miandad said "play maximum number of balls", then it will not be good news for India.