T20 World Cup: Pakistan played last two games well but result is not in our hands, says Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi said that Pakistan played its last two matches – against India and Zimbabwe – well but the results were not in its hands. Pakistan lost its first two matches before tasting its first victory over Netherlands.

Pakistan defeated Netherlands in a T20 World Cup match. (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi said that his team played well in its first two T20 World Cup matches – against India and Netherlands – but the results were not in its hands.

Pakistan suffered a four-wicket defeat at the hands of India in a final-over thriller and then fell short by one run in a match against Zimbabwe. The twin losses have impacted Pakistan’s campaign as they now find themselves in a spot of bother.

Although Pakistan won their third match against Netherlands, they can’t afford to lose their remaining two matches if they want to stay alive in the competition. Pakistan’s fate is no longer in their hands as the results of other teams in Group 2 will decide whether Pakistan would be able to make it to the semi-finals or not.

Ahead of Pakistan’s clash against South Africa on November 3, Afridi said: “No team is easy in this World Cup. It’s good we are on board (after defeating Netherlands). We played the last two games well too, but the result is not in your hands. We will try to give our best in the remaining matches.”

Afridi, who returned after suffering a right knee ligament injury, has not regained full match fitness till now. The Pakistan fast bowler remained wicketless against India and Zimbabwe and was also among the expensive bowlers. The 22-year-old showcased glimpses of returning to full fitness with his hard lengths and taking one wicket against Netherlands.

Talking about his comeback after staying on the sidelines for three months, Afridi said: “It is not easy to come back from such an injury after three months. May god never put anyone through this injury, but those who pick up this injury obviously know how difficult it is.

“I am trying to give my 100 percent. I think my pace was similar earlier too. The average pace was around 135-140 kph; I am trying to get back to full fitness. Match fitness is different. When you come back after three months, it is difficult to put in full effort (immediately).”