Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi has believed that his team has potential to reach the semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2011 being jointly organised by Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka from February 19.
Addressing the farewell press conference on Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium before the departure of Pakistan team for Bangladesh to participate in the World Cup, skipper Shahid Afridi flanked by team manager Intikhab Alam and coach Waqar Younis said the morale of the team was high.
"There is a possibility that Pakistan and India play the final of the World Cup and if that happens it would be ideal for the World Cup, one-day format and for the game of cricket," Afridi said.
Afridi has emphasised that bowling during the final power play will play a crucial role in the outcome of the matches in the World Cup and his side is paying special attention to this area. "We are working hard on improving our bowling and options for the final power play overs for this World Cup. Afridi criticised the former cricketers who passed their remarks over the performance and captaincy in the recent series and added that former cricketers should first do their homework and review performances of players before giving their analysis on the national team's possibility of winning the WC.
"Don't make fool the people of Pakistan by spreading disinformation," he advised the former cricketers and claimed: "I am the top scorer and top wicket taker in the year 2010".
He kept on saying that other than Pakistan, it would be difficult to term any team favourite as India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia have been performing very well. "I think India is one of the top favourites, South Africa has been playing well and Australia can still win," Pakistani skipper added.
Answering the questions about the inclusion of Junaid Khan in the World Cup squad, skipper believed that he was talented fast bowler.
Talking about captaincy issue, he said that he had no pressure and was enjoying good cricket. "With the support of management, Pakistani players are confident enough and can reach at least the semi-final of the mega event which will surely a big achievement of the team," he said.