KARACHI: After thrashing New Zealand in the five-match series, Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi on Friday vowed to play good cricket in the World Cup 2023 in India and reach the final of the mega tournament.
The cricketer is hopeful of good performance ahead of the big competition.
“We will win the World Cup and Asia Cup finals this time, God willing,” the pacer said, while speaking to Geo News in an exclusive interview.
Commenting on Indian conditions for when the team will play the World Cup, Shaheen said: “Conditions won’t be much different for us in India. We will try to take advantage of that in the World Cup.”
He also highlighted the significance of one day international (ODI) matches ahead of the World Cup.
Pakistan claimed victory in the fourth game of the ongoing five-match series against New Zealand at the National Bank Cricket Arena a day earlier.
As far as Shaheen's performance is concerned, he hit three sixes and a four during his seven-ball 23 not out as Pakistan amassed 94 runs in the last 10 overs.
Following the win, the Green Shirts achieved number one position in the International Cricket Council's ODI rankings for the first time since the introduction of ICC’s official team ranking system in 2005.
The bowler also added that if the net run rate is bad at the start of the tournament, then there will be loss eventually.
“There will be no problem later if you play top cricket from the beginning,” the 23-year-old cricketer said.
He hoped to take Pakistan towards victory by playing well as team.
The fast bowler said his job is to attack the opponent and perform his best in the team whether it’s the first, second or last over in the game.
“I will try to exhibit good performance in all three areas,” he said, aiming to perform well.
The pacer shared how the opponent can be kept under pressure if one or two wickets are taken at the start with a new ball.
Speaking about his fitness journey after a pro-longed injury, the cricketer said he is now feeling “quite fit”.
“Injuries are a part of any sportsman’s career. Even a machine, sometimes, breaks down,” the young bowler said.
Sharing how his time spent during the injury was “difficult”, Shaheen also stressed that it was learning experience for him.
“I learned a lot during the injury. I hope to continue with my performing streak for Pakistan,” he said.
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