KARACHI: One of the few dependable players in an otherwise under-performing Pakistan line-up for the ICC World Twenty20 championship is Sarfraz Ahmed.
While many of his team-mates have failed to live up to expectations in recent times, Sarfraz has almost always delivered.
But the combative wicketkeeper-batsman, Pakistan’s vice captain, is aspiring to be even better as he is hoping to play the role of a finisher for his team just like India captain MS Dhoni has been doing for the host for the last many years.
Sarfraz told reporters in Kolkata on Sunday that he idolises Dhoni
“Absolutely, Dhoni inspires me. He does it for wicket-keeping and batting both. He is a great keeper. I idolise him. The way he finishes an innings I would like to do the same for Pakistan too,” he said.
Sarfraz has played the role of a floating batsman in the Pakistan side and he wishes to continue doing it according to the necessities of the team.
“I hope I can fit in wherever possible and contribute for the team. Going forward also, I will try and do the same, that is, play where the team management needs me,” Sarfraz said.
Pakistan played dismal cricket in Bangladesh in the recently-concluded Asia Cup Twenty20. They lost to India and then were beaten by hosts Bangladesh.
Speaking about their Asia Cup campaign, he said, “Conditions were difficult in Bangladesh. For every team the first six overs were really very difficult. But now we have sorted things out and hopefully we will do well here.”
India lock horns with Pakistan in a World T20 group game at the Eden Gardens on March 19 and Sarfraz believes there will be pressure on both sides to do well.
“It is a big game. Both teams will be under immense pressure. The atmosphere will be great, I am sure. Also we have never won in a World Cup (against India). We will try and win here and break the jinx. We will try to play good cricket,” he said.
“As for me, I have played in India-Pakistan games before. The big crowd will be a motivation and we will go for a win.”
Sarfraz, 28, who is known for his swashbuckling batting, said he would try and stick to his natural style of play.
“I just have one style. I will try and play my natural game,” he added.
Pakistan will play a warm-up game against Sri Lanka in Kolkata on Monday (today) before opening their campaign in the World Twenty20 with a game against a Qualifier on March 16 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
