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I want to say sorry to my nation: Afridi

Not many pundits had predicted a place for Pakistan in the semi-final before the start of the World Cup. But Shahid Afridi and his boys showed how dangerous they could be by defeating top sides like Sri Lanka and Australia during the group stage.

They were on the verge of winning the semi-final after restricting a strong batting side like India to 260. Had the fielders taken the four chances offered by Sachin Tendulkar, who went on to make a crucial 86, Pakistan could have restricted India to 200. But that was not to be as India went on to register their fifth World Cup victory over Pakistan.

Despite the defeat, Pakistan had a lot to cheer as their bowlers’ performance was phenomenal throughout the tournament. Afridi was outstanding, taking 21 wickets from eight matches with an incredible average of 12.85. Umar Gul, who had an off day in the semi-final, was impressive as the pacer bagged 14 wickets from eight. But Pakistan were let down by their batsmen, who failed to hit even one century in the entire World Cup. Even their top scorer Misbahul Haq, with 248 runs, was placed at number 19 in the top run getters in this tournament.

Afridi said he was pleased with the way his team played throughout the tourney.

“I am pleased with the way my team played throughout the competition,” he told reporters after the match.

“I am proud of my team. The guys have done a great job and the youngsters have stood out. Winning and losing is a part of the game. We played beyond expectations and I think we should be proud of it,” he said.

He also lauded the Indian team for their Mohali victory.

“I would like to congratulate the Indian team and the nation for this victory. I wish them all the best for the final. At the same time, I want to say sorry to my nation. We tried our level best but couldn’t make it.” Talking about his team’s chances and fans’ possible reaction, Afridi said: “This time no one expected us to make the semi-final. I do not fear any negative reaction from the fans. They are the ones who cheer us and if they criticise us I think we have to take it in our stride”.

“We went through a bad phase in the last 10 months. But the way we built the team to make our way to the semi-final was commendable. I am thankful to the team management and the PCB for helping us raise this talented team,” he said.

But Afridi said the seniors should contribute more to the team. “We needed some more good performances from seniors. They, however, could not but I think they have also realised it,” he said.

He also lauded the brilliant performance of Wahab Riaz in the semis.

“Wahab bowled really well but we missed some opportunities with the bat. There were no partnerships and we played some irresponsible shots. Overall, India were the better side today.”

On Shoaib Akhtar, Afridi said, “We wanted to play him. But this was a crucial match and we couldn’t have risked a player who is 50-60 per cent fit. That’s why we went for Wahab Riaz and his performance was for everybody to see.”