Hafeez backs experienced squad to come good
Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez believes the T20 know-how of his players will stand the side in good stead at the ICC World Twenty20 2012.
"We have a very good team. Our boys Shahid Afridi, Yasir Arafat, Imran Nazir, Abdul Razzaq play cricket all around the world. Some of them are really Twenty20 specialists. We really have a very good combination for these conditions," Hafeez said at the pre-event media conference in Colombo on Wednesday.
Pakistan finished runner-up to India at the ICC World Twenty20 2007, won the tournament in 2009 and then lost in the semi-final of the 2010 edition. Hafeez puts Pakistan's good form in T20 cricket down to the experience of the squad.
"In the last three ICC World Twenty20 tournaments we have been fairly successful. I believe we have more experience playing this format, especially at the domestic level. As a captain I feel confident about my side and very much look forward to ICC World Twenty20 2012," said Hafeez.
The Pakistan skipper is also banking on the varied bowling attack at his command to come good at the tournament.
"We will be playing at Pallekele where the ball does a bit for the seamers. There is Yasir Arafat, Mohammad Sami and Umar Gul is back in the squad as well. We have a good bowling attack and they can use the conditions well," said Hafeez.
Pakistan come into ICC World Twenty20 2012 after a 2-1 T20I series win over Australia in the UAE. Hafeez believes the morale of the side is high because it has the momentum of winning behind them.
The main concern for Hafeez is the hand injury suffered by all-rounder Shahid Afridi during the recent series. The Pakistan opener is hopeful that his key all-rounder will recover in time.
Hafeez added: "Shahid Afridi is one of the most experienced players in the side. He has been a key member for the last 15 years. To have him in the side will be great. He has a lot of experience and in T20 cricket he is all the more confident. He is a match-winner."
Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad will be joining the squad as batting consultant, a decision fully supported by Hafeez.
"He (Miandad) is a legend. His experience will help us in knowing what we should do in different situations. We really welcome him because it will be a big boost for us," said Hafeez.
Pakistan are drawn in Group D of the ICC World T20 alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand. Hafeez is, however, wary of Bangladesh's abilities to spring a surprise.
"We all know the first round of the tournament is a knockout. We know that any team can do well in the T20 format. We are not going to take any team lightly. We have prepared ourselves well for them (Bangladesh). But we are confident that we can win the first round."
Before the tournament proper gets underway, Hafeez is looking forward to playing India in a warm-up game on September 17.
"As a player and as a fan we all want to watch India and Pakistan play. That game will help us to play under pressure and that will help us in the tournament. We will have to play hard. It will be a good build-up for us," concluded Hafeez.
