We will play like world champions: Afridi

Dubai: Shahid Afridi will lead Pakistan in the Twenty20 matches against New Zealand. Although Pakistan lost the One-day series to New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, Afridi is confident his team can win in Dubai. He talks about his approach to the game and captaincy.

GULF NEWS: Will the One-day series defeat to New Zealand have an impact on your team's performance during the Twenty20?

SHAHID AFRIDI: We did not play well in the One-day series but that is history now. Tomorrow will be a new day and we are all focused on winning. We will remind ourselves we are the world champions and we will play like the champions. My guys have worked hard for this game and I want them to and emerge as winners.

How do you find New Zealand as opponents? Do they have the strength to challenge you in this form of the game?

In Twenty20 cricket every team is good. Even if you are playing against Zimbabwe or Bangladesh you cannot be sure of the result. You cannot relax. I think the New Zealanders are doing well they have the confidence after their One-day series win against us.

Last time you had a deadly spell here against Australia. So how do you like bowling at the Dubai Sports City cricket stadium pitch?

It was a very good track for spinners and against Australia I bowled really well. I have improved a lot as a bowler during the last two years. Saeed Ajmal and I are having a good partnership and we will try to combine again to produce a good result.

In Twenty20 what are the changes you are expecting from your players?

Body language should be positive and aggressive. We need to make quick decisions. We all know how to play this form of the game and what we need is motivation and to back each other.

Will you bat up the order in Twenty20?

I will change depending upon the situation. In the World Cup I played No3 in the semifinal and final and so I will bat anywhere according to the need of the hour.