Most of the Pakistan players believe that their team have reached the semi-finals, thanks to the shrewd and aggressive leadership of Shahid Afridi.
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez gave credit to Afridi after a training session at the Punjab Cricket Association ground. "As a leader, Shahid has controlled the team very well. He has played a huge role in keeping the team together," remarked Hafeez, who looks up to his leader for guidance and gets inspired by his captain.
"The big positive about Afridi is that he controls and supports all the players to the hilt. For me, as a player, when you know your captain is supporting you, it is very easy to put in a 110 per cent effort," he added.
Regarding transformation in the team and how Afridi went about building confidence, Hafeez said: "We didn't know who our opponent would be at any time. We have reached here purely because of the hard work we have put in during the last seven months."
"Every individual knew that if we play as a team we are a very good side and capable of winning the World Cup. That strong belief is what we carried into the first match. It's the belief that is crucial to our making it to the semi-finals."
So what are his plans to tackle the huge pressure of an India-Pakistan match? "There is bound to be pressure while playing in the semifinal of a World Cup. Just because it is an India-Pakistan match does not mean that there is any extra pressure on the team."
"We are enjoying our cricket and supporting each other. It is that unity and backing we give each other that has been the key to our success."
