I don’t live in the past: Afridi

Not ready to dwell on the past, Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi says the moral-boosting win over Bangladesh will hold them in good stead when they clash with arch-rivals India in their crucial ICC World Twenty20 match at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday. 

Stung by unwarranted criticism and controversy, Afridi on Thursday gave a fitting reply with a brilliant all-round show as he blasted 49 off 19 balls and also took two for 27 in his four overs to help Pakistan avenge their Asia Cup loss to Bangladesh by notching up a 55-run win and start their World T20 campaign on a positive note. 

Pakistan’s next WT20 match is against India on Saturday here, where the visitors have never lost to the home team before. “I don’t want to talk about the past, I don’t live in past. I think we should learn from our mistakes. We have done well against these guys and India have been playing good cricket, even with the last loss. 

We won this match and everyone is feeling good after this win,” said Afridi at the post match presentation. Afridi said he would look to lead by example in the ongoing tournament. “My performances always play a key role, and I was really hungry to perform. For the last few series I didn’t play well. But I was focused on my performance because I know how important it is for me and my country. “It’s a big event as captain, as senior player, I have to lead by example,” said Afridi. 

Talking about his captaincy, Afridi said: “Captaincy is not an easy job, but when the team gives 100 per cent, I enjoy it. People expect me to bat and ball and I enjoy both.” Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said they lost the match in the first six overs. “200 is always difficult with Pakistan bowling attack,” he said.