| Event: | ICC World Twenty20 2009 |
DateLine: 19th June 2009
Pakistan captain Younus Khan confidently predicted victory for his resurgent team after they defeated favourites South Africa by seven runs in a nail-biting semi-final on Thursday.
Pakistan rode on a man of the match performance by mercurial all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who blasted 56 runs and took 2-16 with his leg-spinners, to set up a final date at Lord's on Sunday against either Sri Lanka or West Indies.
"One more game and this World Cup is ours," said Younus.
"In the big games we do well and now I think we will win this. We can take our chances and we can win the World Cup."
"We are slow starters, we arrived late, didn't have a lot of practice sessions so there was no pressure on us. Suddenly we are in a good position."
Younus paid tribute to showman Shahid.
"Afridi is always a match-winner for us. Today he was batting three and he turned it on for Pakistan, it's all about his commitment but also about our teamwork."
Shahid said: "It was our last chance to make the final. If you are batting and bowling obviously it's good. I am very happy to see my team in the final, that's what I wanted and what I said to him (Younus) - to send me in either at number three or as an opener and he did.
"I really enjoyed my batting but also the bowling and fielding."
South Africa skipper Graeme Smith, whose side had been unbeaten in the tournament until Thursday, was adamant that his team had not choked despite another semi-final defeat.
"It's not a case of the pressure, we were just beaten by a better team. I am proud of the way we played. It's sad and disappointing and I'm sure the people back home will feel the same," said Smith.
"We wanted to finish on a successful note but good luck to Pakistan. They are a quality side."
(Article: Copyright © 2009 AFP)
