Skipper Malik feels Afridi, Nazir key for Paks success in T20 WC

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has figured all-rounder Shahid Afridi and hard-hitting batsman Imran Nazir as the key players, who have the ability to set the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa on fire.

Karachi, Aug 30 : Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has figured all-rounder Shahid Afridi and hard-hitting batsman Imran Nazir as the key players, who have the ability to set the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa on fire.

"Personally, I think Imran Nazir and Afridi bhai can be our key players," Malik said before Pakistan left for Nairobi to play a four-nation T20 tournament.

"I believe all my players have the capability to play match winning roles," Malik added.

In an interview to The News, the all-rounder said the payers are trying to leave behind the March World Cup disaster in the West Indies where they were knocked out in the first round.

"We have tried to forget about the World Cup disappointment," said Malik, adding that the team has an opportunity to bury the ghost of the World Cup once and for all by winning the T20 championship.

Commenting on the Nairobi T20 tournament, which also figures hosts Kenya, Bangladesh and minnows Uganda, Malik said the event would provide his team with a warm up for the World Cup.

"We play in a few Twenty20 games in Kenya and that practice would be of great help for us before we go to South Africa."

Pakistan has been drawn with archrivals India and Scotland in Pool D of the T20 World Cup, which will kick off on September 11 at Johannesburg.

ANI