Afridi backs Pakistan to bounce back against Bangladesh

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has showed faith in the current team ahead of the all-important clash against Bangladesh in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018.

The Men in Green will face Mashrafe Morataz-led unit in their last Super-Four round match in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, where the winner will face qualify for the final which will be played on September 28 in Dubai. 

The Green Caps have received sever criticism after a below-par performance in the tournament so far, which included two heavy defeats against arch-rivals India and close win against Afghanistan. 

But the 38-year-old backed Sarfraz Ahmed-led unit to turn things around and bring the trophy back home. 

“I believe this team will turn things around and not only win against Bangladesh, but they will bring the trophy home as well,” said Afridi. “This team have performed really well in the last 12 months and got us many victories. Sarfraz is leading this team in the right manner, which increased the expectations level. But I believe now is the time to back this team when results are not going their way.”

He added: “I still have a lot of expectations from this unit. I know they will learn from their mistakes and perform better in the next matches. These players are the future of Pakistan cricket and we will have to play with same lot in the 2019 World Cup as well. Too much criticism cannot do any good.”

Afridi further went on to advise players not to get demoralised with this criticism and take it as a challenge. 

“Criticism is part and parcel of the professional sport,” he said. “So I would advise all the players to not get demoralized with this and instead take it as a challenge. They should relax and focus on their own performance. They should know that once they will start performing, this criticism will turn into appreciation.”