Dubai matches will be exciting, Afridi says

Abu Dhabi: Shahid Afridi, the flamboyant allrounder who will lead Pakistan in the two Twenty20 matches against New Zealand at the Dubai Sports City cricket stadium on November 12 and 13, is confident about his team's abilities.

"I am very positive that we will produce our best during the matches. My players are very keen to give their best and are willing to support me. This is all that I am expecting from my players too," remarked Afridi to Gulf News.

Afridi, along with New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori, unveiled the Twenty20 Cup at the Radisson Blu on Monday.

Elaborating on his team's chances, Afridi said: "New Zealand is a very good side. They have a very balanced team for the Twenty20 form of the game."

Afridi had proved to be the best player in the Twenty20 form of the game during the Twenty20 World Cup in England. He bagged the man of the match award in both the semifinal and final of the Twenty20 World Cup through his allround performance to guide Pakistan to a historic victory.

Afridi feels that no team can be considered best in Twenty20 cricket.

"In Twenty20 all teams should be considered perfect and teams that perform at their best win matches," he added.

Afridi candidly admitted that New Zealand is good in instant form of the game.

"It will be a great competition in Dubai and I am looking forward to it," said Afridi, who has been signed up by South Australia for the Twenty20 big bash this summer.

The fame of Afridi as an outstanding Twenty20 player has spread far and wide that organisers around the world are keen to sign him up for matches.

Afridi has already been signed up by South Africa's Dolphins team for the 2009-2010 season.