The Pakistani team touched down here last night after getting government clearance to travel, a decision that was delayed by several days over security concerns.
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Afridi turned a tad sentimental as he profusely praised the Eden Gardens, particularly its boisterous crowd, where Pakistan would be playing a warm-up game as also two Super Ten group B fixtures including the high-voltage clash against India on March 19.
The leg-spinner was also enthused by Pakistan’s record at Eden Gardens, where they have prevailed in all four matches against India. “I’m honoured to be in India”.
Pakistanis on social media websites bashed Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi after his recent press conference in Kolkata in which he stated that “we are more loved here than in Pakistan”.
Malik, who is the husband of India’s tennis star Sania Mirza, rated the security provided to his team as “good” . “Physically and mentally we were sure that we would go definitely”.
He also added that he wanted to thank the Indian government for the security cover which was “very good”. “He has a deceptive action and may look slow but hits the bat harder than you can think”, said the 42-year-old. “I don’t really see any difference between the Pakistani people and Indians”. I think media creates a lot of hype for this match.
“I tried to take my chances but it’s never easy to defend 84 in a T20 game”.
Dhoni’s well-acquired label of planet’s greatest finisher was under analysis carrying out a work that is bad that is prolonged but he sort of used herself with some excellent cameos through the Asia Cup.
“It’s good that we’re underdogs and that gives you a lot of confidence”.
“(In 1992) People were not expecting us to do well ut we won that. It’s part of life, we are professionals.
The batting maestro picked out hosts India, Australia, South Africa and England as the four teams that he feels will make it to the semi-finals stage of the World T20.
Diplomatic tensions between the two countries have meant that the two teams have not played any bilateral series for more than three years, and their rivalry is restricted to multi-national tournaments such as the World T20. We have come here to give our best and it’s a new tournament. “The same is the case going into this edition”. “We will try to help each other out and will try what is best for us”.
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Malik said lack of worldwide cricket is affecting the team’s progress.
