Afridi's Pakistan team played its last encounter against India in an electrifying atmosphere. Shahid Afridi with his inspirational approach had brought the team together as a unit. He has taken the seniors in confidence and extracted the best out of the younger cricketers.

Afridi was inspirational in making a few changes in his team by bringing in Hafeez, Umar Akmal and an unexpected replacement for the Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akthar in the form of Wahab Riaz who bowled a fiery spell claiming five wickets which included prize scalps of Sehwag, Kohli, Yuvraj, Dhoni and Zaheer. He was introduced in short spells by Afridi which made him the hero in a crucial semifinal match.

Kudos to Shahid Afridi for recognising such talent for Pakistan's future.

In this semifinal clash Sachin Tendulkar took a single off Afridi and with his charming smile he commended Sachin on the field. Afridi was generous to congratulate India and Dhoni during the prize distribution ceremony and as the Pakistan captain never let his team down and complimented his bowlers who had a better performance compared to previous 2003 and 2007 World Cup outings.

Pakistan requires such an inspirational captain who can take the Pakistan team to further heights with the support of coach Waqar Younis.

People should not criticise this leader and his Pakistan team for their exit from the World Cup. This loss against India saw tears flood into Afridi's eyes as he is one of the true Pakistani warriors who will bring wonderful surprises and accolades to Pakistan cricket in the near future.

Well done "SHAHID AFRIDI" for bringing India and Pakistan together and entertaining the cricket lovers of the world.

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2011 D. Giridhar)