Pak ‘determined to win finals’ against Proteas to clinch ‘very close series’: Afridi

DUBAI - Pakistan One-day International and Twenty-20 captain Shahid Afridi has said that his team is determined to record the country’s first limited-overs series win since 2008 by beating South Africa in the fifth one-day international on Monday.

“I know we have never beaten South Africa in a bilateral one-day series, so that is very much the aim to achieve and the boys are determined to win this final match,” the Daily Times quoted Afridi, as saying.

South Africa won the first match of the current series by eight wickets before Pakistan levelled with a one-wicket win- with both matches played in Abu Dhabi. The third match was won by South Africa by two runs, but again Pakistan levelled the series with a one-wicket win in the fourth match- both played in Dubai.

Afridi noted that the series has been close and if his team can capitalise on strong positions, they can achieve the objective.

“This series is a very close affair, so we need to take all our chances and if we do then we will win the series, which will be a very good achievement considering our recent record,” he said.

South African coach Corrie van Zyl also expressed his optimism about his team’s chances.

“We obviously want to win the series, but you also want to see what players are available before the World Cup because this is our last chance to play on sub-continent type of pitches here,” van Zyl said.

India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh jointly host the World Cup from February 19 to April 2 next year.

Van Zyl, who took over following the departure of Mickey Arthur early this year, said that a problem with lanky paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe’s fitness was a matter of concern.

“Injury to Lonwabo is a concern but Rusty (Theron) stepped in and did well, but we hope we are in a position to field our strongest combination and everyone bowl to his potential,” he said. (ANI)