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FAISALABAD, Nov 03 (APP):Pakistan cricket team’s captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, expressed confidence in his side’s form and performance ahead of the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa. Speaking at a post-match press conference on Monday, Afridi emphasized that the players were well-prepared and motivated for the challenge ahead.
Afridi, who is captaining the national ODI team for the first time, shared that his focus is on leading with responsibility and unity, rather than making individual decisions. He also spoke of his pride in the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years, calling it a significant moment for Pakistan cricket.
“It’s an honor to lead the national side, and I will do my best to fulfill this responsibility. The boys are in good form and playing positive cricket, which gives me a lot of confidence,” Afridi said.
When asked about team decisions, Afridi clarified that choices like whether to bat or bowl first depend on pitch and weather conditions. “Bowling in the evening can be challenging because of dew. We take such decisions according to the conditions, and these are made collectively by the management, coach, and captain,” he explained.
Afridi also dismissed speculation about changes in the batting order, stating that positions are assigned based on the team’s needs and individual strengths. “A captain cannot make unilateral decisions. Every choice is made in consultation with the management and coaching staff,” he added.
On the subject of Babar Azam’s recent form, Afridi defended his predecessor, highlighting Babar’s consistent performance over the years. “Babar has been scoring runs for the past four to five years. He has the ability to perform, and he’s one of our top scorers in ODIs and T20s. Just because a player doesn’t perform in one or two matches doesn’t mean he’s out of form. I’m confident he will make a strong comeback in the upcoming matches,” Afridi said.
Afridi also underscored the importance of senior players in the team’s success, stating, “Whenever our senior players perform, Pakistan wins. As captain, I will always lead from the front. Whether I remain captain or not, I’ll keep giving my best for the team.”