Shahid Afridi targeting big innings from Mohammad Yousuf

22/09/2010

Pakistan one-day captain Shahid Afridi has suggested that Mohammad Yousuf can make the difference in the final match of the England v Pakistan ODI series, which gets underway later today (September 22nd 2010).

Speaking to the Pak Tribune, the 30-year-old called on Yousuf - who has endured a somewhat disappointing summer so far - to step up his contribution with the bat and expressed confidence in his ability to pile on an impressive score.

"A big knock is due [from] Yousuf," he told the newspaper. "He is such a great player and I know that he can do it. We hope that knock will come in the decider."

Afridi also hailed Umar Gul's performance in the fourth clash of the series on Monday (September 20th), which saw the fast bowler take four wickets as England stumbled to a second successive defeat.

Relations between the two sides have become increasingly strained in recent weeks, with Jonathan Trott and Pakistan 12th man Wahab Riaz becoming involved in a heated confrontation prior to the last match.

Posted by Sam Smith