Afridi wants 'big knock' from Yousuf in the series-deciding finale

Karachi: Pakistan’s One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi is hoping that his entire squad, especially veteran batsman Mohammad Yousuf, will follow the example of Umar Gul and Abdul Razzaq and give its best in today’s match to help the visiting team clinch the ODI series against England.

“We need each and every one of our team to play like Gul and I’m sure they would do that tomorrow,” The News quoted Afridi as saying.

Gul''s brilliant show of reverse swing bowling had fetched him ten wickets in the last two matches, while Razzaq’s twenty-ball 44 was one of the major reasons behind Pakistan’s 38-run win at Lord’s.

Now, Afridi is hoping that players like Yousuf, who is yet to make his presence felt in the one-day series, will also contribute greatly in the finale at the Rose Bowl.

“A big knock is due on Yousuf,” Afridi said, adding, “He is such a great player and I know that he can do it. We hope that knock will come in the decider tomorrow.”

The skipper is also confident that Akmal brothers — Kamran and Umar — will also come out with spectacular performances at Southampton.

“They are both very good players,” he said. “They are like Umar Gul, who was unable to do well in a few matches but then bounced back with a vengeance at The Oval.