Afridi admits mistakes behind India defeat

 

MOHALI: Pakistan World Twenty20 skipper Shahid Khan Afridi on Monday admitted to making mistakes which led to a defeat against India in their World Twenty20 fixture last week.

“We made mistakes, including in reading the pitch and losing the toss…We would have also bowled first if we won the toss,” he told reporters at a press conference today.

“I will not give any excuses. A big difference (between Pakistan and India) was Virat Kohli. He also single-handedly helped India to victory in the Asia Cup and also performed now,” he said.

The Pakistan team went in to play the match at Kolkata's Eden Garden with four pace bowlers after dropping spinner Emad Wasim on a pitch that proved to be heaven for Indian spin-bowlers.

But Afridi – who has been facing a onslaught of criticism from not just fans but also top Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials – said he was focusing on Pakistan's next match against New Zealand.

"What people are saying is up to them, but as a captain I am just concerned about my team and my performance. I have belief in mine and the team's ability that we will make the best use of our skills in tomorrow's game," said the Pakistan captain, ahead of the clash against Group 2 leader new Zealnad in Mohali on Tuesday.

"Even before the tournament started, people had written us off. But, I have stayed away from Twitter and Facebook. I have just stayed on one side because I know how people are reacting back home. Whatever happens that is a thing for the future, but right now all we can do is perform well," he said.

"The team that wins, wins because it makes lesser mistakes than the other side. If you create a panic situation in the team then it is difficult to sort out things,” he said.  

“Miracles always don't work in cricket. We have to stop repeating small mistakes and play good cricket.”