Afridi eyes next Twenty20 World Cup title

Dubai: Shahid Afridi, who captained Pakistan to a clean sweep win over New Zealand, is not willing to rest on his laurels.

The swashbuckling batsman stressed the importance of improving as a team to remain the best and retain the Twenty20 World Cup next year.

Pakistan registered an exciting seven-run win over New Zealand on Friday following their 49-run victory on Thursday.

"We were keen to win and we did it here. We played the first game with a very positive mind but in the second game I told my guys that we should win this match and I am happy we did," remarked Afridi, who is keen to carry on the winning run into the next Twenty20 World Cup in West Indies next year.

Afridi candidly pointed out that there are many areas to improve.

Pakistan gave away 14 extras, which included eight wides during Friday's win over New Zealand.

"We cannot afford to give away so many extras and we need to solve this problem. We need to have a camp before the World Cup and try and iron out these defects. If we continue to work hard then the results will also be good," he added.

Afridi also pointed out that his team's fielding too needs to be sharper. "Twenty20 cricket is all about fielding and we need to focus on it. If only we do well in this department then the results will be in our favour."

Talking about the team's victory in the second match, Afridi said: "I kept telling the batsmen to keep the scoreboard moving at a good pace. "Umar Akmal played his role very well. Sohail Tanvir has staged a good comeback and if he continues to bowl like this it will be very good for the team."