Ahead of their key clash on Saturday, stand-in Pakistan skipper believes neither the Master Blaster nor India will have their way this time
India has been lucky to have beaten Pakistan in all the ICC events, said all-rounder Shahid Afridi, oozing confidence that his team would buck the trend this time by getting the better of their traditional rivals in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
When asked whether Sachin Tendulkar was still a threat to Pakistan, Afridi said, "In case of Sachin, you're talking about him in the form he was in 2003. This is 2009."
ADVERTISEMENT
"So far, luck has been with India. Hopefully, it would all change this time around," said Afridi, who is also vice-captain of his side in the eight-nation event.
Pakistan will take on India in a group B clash at Centurion on Saturday.
Looking back at the 2003 World Cup match between the two sides, which Pakistan lost, Afridi said a lot has changed and his team is a lot better than what it was at that time.
"That was 2003. This is 2009. It's been six years. We are a very good One-day side now. We not only have good batting but our bowling is also exceptional," said Afridi.
Indians, along with hosts South Africa, are claimants to the world's best One-day batting side tag but Afridi said Pakistan are no less.
"If they claim themselves to be the best, I would say we are also best. Every team knows its strength. We have a very balanced side. Still, I don't take any side lightly", he said.
"In One-day cricket, we should not think that we can win easily against any team. There have been examples when big teams have lost to small sides. However, bowling, as I said, has been our chief weapon which has helped us win," Afridi said.
Pakistan's bowling, led by Mohammad Aamer and Umar Gul, backed by spinner Saeed Ajmal and Afridi himself, looks strong and it would only get stronger with the return of Mohammad Asif, who completed his dope ban today.
Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said Asif's return is good news for Pakistan cricket.
"He is a match-winner. Today he completes his ban and he then becomes available. It's good for Pakistan that he has made a comeback. The type of bowler that he is, the team is looking forward to have him back," Alam said.
Afridi has established himself as one of the biggest hitters of the game and similar is the reputation that Yuvraj Singh enjoys in the Indian line-up.
The Pakistani all-rounder had little hesitation in declaring the Indian left-hander as a better batsman than him.
"Yuvraj is a better batsman than me, I have no doubt," he said.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
