Sporting Afridi accepts defeat in the right spirit

Mohali: Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi displayed top sportsmanship by right away acknowledging India’s victory and even wishing them all the best for the final.

Though it was an extremely shattering defeat, he said he was proud of his team's achievements, especially reaching the semifinals when it was least expected of them.

“I would like to congratulate the Indian team and the whole (Indian) nation for this victory. I wish them all the best for the final,” he remarked with his head held high.

Right through the tournament, as a captain he had led the team from the front with some outstanding bowling performances. Unfortunately his players failed to deliver in the semifinal dropping vital catches repeatedly. However, on behalf of his team, he even went to the extent of apologising to his nation.

“I want to say sorry to my nation. We tried our level best but couldn't make it. I am pleased with the way my team played ....they did well throughout the competition,” he said.

Afridi has come in for some severe criticism for not taking the power-play earlier and using it in the last five overs; but he defended his decision.

“I took the power-play late because I wanted to see off Harbhajan Singh. It was important that Harbhajan finished his spell; so we opted for power-play at the end of the innings.”

When asked about Wahab Riaz’s spell, Afridi said:  “Wahab (Riaz) bowled really well, but we missed some opportunities with the bat. There were no partnerships and we played some irresponsible shots too. Overall, India was the better side today.”

Despite reeling under the disappointment of the defeat, he joked and said that he has kept his word on not giving Tendulkar his century.

“We dropped a few catches and that too of Sachin. But I told you, we will not let him score his 100th century. We kept our word,” said Afridi, laughing aloud. Incidentally, it was Afridi who took Tendulkar’s catch to finally end his knock of 85 runs.

Afridi has decided to take the defeat in its right spirit. “I am proud of my team. We did a great job in the World cup. We have had some great performances from my promising youngsters. We played as a unit. Winning and losing is just a part of the game.”

Was he pleased and satisfied with the performance of his seniors in the team? He hesitated for a while and then answered: “Yeah, I am fine with it. Maybe, they need to do a little more.”

To a query as to why he did not give that last chance to Shoaib Akhtar who had announced his retirement, he said: “Unfortunately, he was struggling with his fitness. We couldn’t risk playing a player who is only 50 to 60 per cent fit. So we played Riaz who was 100 per cent fit.”

Having played India and Sri Lanka, whom does he think has the best chance in the final, and whether batting first will have an impact? 

“Both India and Sri Lanka are playing good cricket. So anyone can win. I don’t think batting first or second will be a factor in the final."

Is he worried about the reception and reaction back home from the fans? “Look, we have done better that what we did in 2003 and 2007. Our fans back home love us so much that it is natural for them to feel bad after this loss. Nobody wanted Pakistan to lose, we wanted to win, but people, I think, will realise that we did put in our full effort. To win six games from eight is a big achievement.”

Afridi finally went on to thank all those who supported the team.

“I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman for giving me all the support and the way the boys supported each other and me, the team management and coach. To take a broken team and mould it into a team for the World Cup and to perform like this...no one expected us to...so this is indeed special,” he concluded, trying to highlight the positives despite the gloom.