Ricky Ponting describes Pakistan as a very dangerous side

Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has described Pakistan as a very dangerous side, predicting that the team will get better by the day as the 2011 World Cup progresses.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Ponting drew comparisons between Pakistan and his own team, which is looking for a record fourth consecutive World Cup crown.

“They have some good bowlers. Their fast bowers have done well here. They have Shahid Afridi who is in terrific form. Then they have (Mohammad) Hafeez, who can bowl. Rehman is there and also Saeed Akmal. So in a way they are similar to Australia,” The News quoted Ponting, as saying.

He said Pakistan are a well-balanced side, and have made their presence felt at the World Cup by beating co-hosts Sri Lanka, one of the favourites for the title.

After Australia’s Pool A match against Sri Lanka was washed out by rain at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Ponting hoped that his team would be fully prepared to face Pakistan in their last group game on March 19 at the same venue.

Speaking on his team’s abandoned match against Sri Lanka, Ponting said that he was ‘surprised’ by the slowness of the wicket at the R Premadasa Stadium, adding that more than the players, he was disappointed for the crowd after the match was rained out.

“We had a sold-out crowd, which would have seen a good match had it continued. I’m really disappointed for the fans,” Ponting added.

Afridi's performance at World Cup inspiration for entire Pak team: Intikhab

Pakistan's World Cup captain Shahid Afridi has been a source of inspiration for his entire squad after lifting the man-of-the-match trophy twice at the group stage of the mega event, team manager Intikhab Alam has said.
"Afridi has been an inspiration for the entire team," The News quoted Intikhab, as saying.
"He has given some stellar performances in this tournament so far and has been man-of-the-match twice already which is a great sign for Pakistan," he added.
According to Intikhab, it was very important for Afridi to lead from the front, as the entire team starts performing "if the leader does well."
"As a team's captain, Afridi had the biggest burden of responsibility on his shoulders," he said, adding, "It's great to see that he has really lived up to all the expectations," said Intikhab.
"As captain and senior player, Afridi was always one of the most important members of the team and now he has once again proved himself to be one of the valuable players.y giving such solid performances, he has certainly raised the bar for his teammates," he added.
Afridi, who has been sensational as a bowler in this World Cup, is yet to really fire as a batsman in this tournament.
He has scored 7, 16 and 20 in his first three outings, but Intikhab expressed confidence that Afridi would deliver with the bat as the event progresses.
"He has been brilliant with the ball but so far hasn't played a big knock," said Intikhab. "But it doesn't worry us because he is a big game player and will also do well with the bat in this event."
Pakistan are looking to top Pool A in a bid to have an easier quarter-final, but they will have to conquer both New Zealand and Australia for this.
Intikhab was of the view that Afridi will once again be the vital cog for his team in the tough matches against the Black Caps and the Aussies.
"He is the man in form and we are confident that Afridi will continue delivering for Pakistan in this tournament," the team manager maintained.

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