Pakistan vs India: WC Semifinal - March 30

[MZUBAIR]

this is what I am saying. . But I think the Indians are thinking that we are replacing Umar Gul in place of Shoaib ..

Thats their dream

 

[Rafael]

I dont care who wins this WC.

I just want India to win on the 30th, even thereafter we loose on the 2nd of April, I will not mind.

Winning on the 30th will be WC for me

Hey Vinod,

Kindly have a look at this reply before commenting on Pakistani's obsession next time

 

[Kinetic]

A gift for all of you.....

Pakistan's captain Shahid Afridi and India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in Mohali.

 

[SEAL]

Shahid Afridi press conference.
Lukin very confident

We are well prepared for India: Afridi | VIDEOS | WORLD CUP 2011 | NDTVSports.com

 

[Yeti]

Rather face Shoaib Akhtar than Umar Gul, Shoaib is gonna give runs away tom just wait and see

 

[LEGENDARY WARRIOR]

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi today said that retiring pacer Shoaib Akhtar is racing against time to be fit for the World Cup semi-final against India and is a doubtful starter for the high-profile match to be played at the PCA stadium here tomorrow.


Akhtar has played just three games in the tournament before being dropped but current and former Pakistan players have been calling for the experienced pacer's return in the playing eleven in a bid to unsettle the Indian batsmen.

Afridi, however, said that the team management will take a call on the temperamental pacer later in the day.

"Shoaib is not 100 per cent (fit). He is trying his level best to play and we will decide on him in the evening," Afridi said during the pre-match press conference.

The 35-year-old Akhtar, who has played 163 ODIs for Pakistan, also received support from teammates Umar Gul and Misbah-ul-Haq.

The Pakistani skipper seemed to have started mind games when he said that pressure will be more on India compared to his team during the match.

"We are not the most favourite team for this competition. India is the most favourite and we have played above expectations. We are enjoying our cricket," Afridi said.

"If you know how to handle it, there is no need to panic. I think we will enjoy playing here," he said when asked if the match was being seen more as a battle of nerves.
Admitting that it is always a big challenge to play against India in their home turf, Afridi said his team was up for the task at hand.

"This game is very important for both the sides. We have prepared well for this game and we are confident," he said.

Apart from a place in the April 2 World Cup final at stake, tomorrow's match will also witness cricket diplomacy with Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and his India counterpart Manmohan Singh attending the game.

And Afridi said the sport has and will always build the bridge between the two nations, who have not played a bilateral series since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

"I think it's a great sign for both countries and sports, especially cricket always brings these two countries together," Afridi said.

Afridi said he was honoured to represent and lead Pakistan in the match.
"I am a cricketer first, then a diplomat and ambassador or whatever you may call," he said.

Afridi also held the media responsible for strained relations between the two neighbouring countries.

"Media ki vajeh say India, Pakistan kay relations itney kharab huvein hein (it is because of the media that relations between the two sides have deteriorated)," he lamented.
He also sought to blame the media for twisting his comments on Sachin Tendulkar, who is just one away from reaching the milestone of 100 international tons.

Praising the Mohali track, Afridi said to an extent it would be correct to say that tomorrow's contest would be between Pakistan's strong bowling attack versus India's formidable batting line-up.

Afridi, who is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 21 scalps, said he has transformed as a bowler.

"My focus has been on bowling," the all-rounder said.He also praised the controversy-ridden Pakistan team for its impressive display in the tournament.

"The guys have been doing a good job over the past 7-8 months. The team has played as a unit," Afridi said.

if only Amir and Asif would not have committed that blunder, we would have been in a better position today. .

with this news it seems that they might bring Wahab Riaz. . .

 

[LEGENDARY WARRIOR]

A gift for all of you.....

Pakistan's captain Shahid Afridi and India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in Mohali.

are these latest???

 

[Kinetic]

are these latest???

These are today's pic. Both teams staying in same hotel.

 

[twoplustwoisfour]

Someone should break Chawla's leg, so we can call up Joginder Sharma for this match

 

[LEGENDARY WARRIOR]

These are today's pic. Both teams staying in same hotel.

ahaaaaaaaa. . . . And I saw on Zee News yesterday that special food is being prepared for both teams. . . Because both team actually share same taste when food is the common enemy. . .

 

[MZUBAIR]

The decision to play Shaoib will be announced this evening.......

 

[twoplustwoisfour]

The decision to play Shaoib will be announced this evening.......

Not a good sign. If he was playing, they would have announced it just before the game.

Looks like he's not playing, that's why a press conference the day before the match.

 

[MZUBAIR]

Shahid is right, "Media Aqal karay"

 

[Omar1984]

bharati media

 

[MZUBAIR]

Shahid Afridi press conference.
Lukin very confident

We are well prepared for India: Afridi | VIDEOS | WORLD CUP 2011 | NDTVSports.com

He was really talking like PATHANS ....
Happy to see him talking like that