Afridi and his men were at their brilliant best in Hambotota but the flamboyant allrounder is aware of the fact that it will take a gigantic effort from his team to conquer the Sri Lankans, one of the favourites for the crown.
“We played well last night but there is still a lot of room for improvement,” said Afridi, who took 5-16 against the Kenyans. “What we need is the best from the players because it’s going to be a very tough game on Saturday (tomorrow).”
“It’s a good start but we shouldn’t be 100 percent satisfied, there is a lot of work ahead of us still,” he said.
“Whether in batting or bowling you need a positive start. But since the ball was sticking to the pitch a little, it wasn’t easy. I hope my openers don’t repeat those mistakes,” said the captain referring to openers Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad, who fell cheaply after Pakistan opted to bat first against the Kenyans.
Afridi said that Pakistan will go all out to beat the Sri Lankans here tomorrow.
“We are a dangerous team. We know how important the next game is and Sri Lanka is the best team in their own conditions. We will go in with the same strength and deliver as best as we can.”
Afridi is expecting a close game against Sri Lanka.
“It will be a good game. If we bowl well, bat well and go with positive body language and show more readiness for the game and willingness to win, I am sure we can pull it off,” said Afridi.
Pakistan arrived in Colombo from Hambantota on Sri Lankan Airforce helicopters on Thursday morning and then opted for a lengthy training session at the R Premedasa Stadium — the venue for Saturday’s match.
Afridi, 30, said that the hard work his boys are putting in the nets is helping the team’s cause.
“It was good intensity from the players. In practice we have been very focused and positive and what we do there, we deliver in the games as well.”
