Shahid Afridi: Pakistan to summon spirit of 2009 for T20 title

Afridi insisted Pakistan can once again spring a few surprises in the UAE, despite head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis resigning a month before the T20 World Cup.

Afridi, who played 99 T20 Internationals for Pakistan, thought recent setbacks could again inspire Babar Azam's team in the 2021 T20 showpiece.

Shahid Afridi believed his "unpredictable" nation can summon the spirit of 2009 and win a second T20 World Cup.

"We had that issue of the Sri Lanka attacks on our minds," Afridi told AFP.

"The whole nation was disappointed and frustrated so that win was very much needed.

"The win gave the whole nation happiness and some unforgettable moments."

Afridi, who played 99 T20 Internationals for Pakistan, thought recent setbacks could again inspire Babar Azam's team in the 2021 T20 showpiece.

A month before the mega-event, head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis resigned, apparently believing new board chairman Ramiz Raja would sack them anyway.

Then New Zealand abandoned its tour of the country just minutes before the first ODI in Rawalpindi. Three days later, England also withdrew its men's and women's teams from visiting Pakistan.

"This is Pakistan cricket for you, never ever a dull day," added Afridi ruefully.

"Pakistan can surprise any team in the world. Rule them out at your peril."

In his 22-year international career, Afridi was at the heart of Pakistan's "topsy-turvy" ride in limited overs cricket.

- Heartbreak and drama -

Afridi anchored Pakistan's run to the final in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007, taking 12 wickets which earned him the player of the tournament award.

Pakistan, however, lost twice against arch-rivals India - including the final.

"Pakistan gave the best entertainment in the first T20 World Cup," insists Afridi.

"We lost to India in the group match after a bowl-out, which was something very new for us."

Pakistan then lost the final with Misbah-ul-Haq falling to an injudicious shot off the third ball of the final over, with just six needed for a win.

"Misbah brought Pakistan into the game but then we lost by the barest of margins," said Afridi.

Under Afridi, Pakistan then lost in the semifinal of the 2010 edition in the Caribbean when Michael Hussey clobbered 39 runs in the last two overs to give Australia an unlikely win.

"T20 suits our character," added Afridi. "We have the talent, approach and aggression required for this rapid format.

"It is a format which is loved throughout Pakistan. We won against every team and then every team adopted that style.

"Bowling is now full of variety and new batting techniques have developed."

Afridi insisted Pakistan can once again spring a few surprises in the UAE.

"The current Pakistan team is very talented although they lack experienced players. But, as we all know, never under-estimate a Pakistan team!"