Mohali: The Pakistan players are shattered. The fact that their team is out of the World Cup Twenty20 has hit them hard. Skipper Shahid Afridi sat in the dugout for a long time, a dejected man, .
When asked to comment on Pakistan’s exit, Afridi first opted to praise the Australians. “First I would like to congratulate Australia. Honestly speaking, we are not good enough. Bowlers gave too many runs in the last 4-5 overs,” he admitted.
Everyone thought Afridi might announce his retirement and when asked about it, he said: “I will go back home and then make a decision (about retirement). I’ll do what’s best for the country. I will announce this in my country.”
The pressure has hit him hard and he admitted: “It’s not easy to handle pressure as Pakistan captain. I want to thank the management, the players, the selection committee and the chairman who have supported me. I want to thank the people of Kolkata who gave us a lot of support. I also want to thank the people of Kashmir who came down to support us — and thank you to the BCCI for their hospitality as well.”
It all sounded like Afridi was bidding good bye to the Indian fans for the last time.
Australia skipper Steve Smith, on the other hand, was delighted with his team’s performance.
“We haven’t quite played to our potential in the first two games. You want to play your best cricket in the back end of the tournament. Today was a clinical performance and I’m proud of my boys,” he said.
James Faulkner. who bagged five wickets, sportingly said that he considered himself fortunate.
“I am lucky that I got so many wickets. What is more important for me is our team is back on the track. We showed what we can do with the bat. We are looking forward to the next game against India in 48 hours. They are tough opponents at home. We should be up for the challenge.”
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis did not hold back his feelings.
He said: “We did not play to our potential. Our fielding wasn’t good. We gave away too many runs when we should not have given (them away). It’s time Pakistan Cricket Board found youngsters.”
For Waqar it could be his last tournament as Pakistan coach.
He said: “My career, I will know on return to Pakistan. I will have a discussion with the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and then decide.”
As to whether Pakistan cricket is in decline, Waqar candidly said: “For the last three to four years, Pakistan cricket has not been doing well. We have lost match-winners like Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez as bowlers. There has been a decline in the standard of domestic cricket too.”
