World Cup teams must be extra cautious against ‘extra-ordinary’ Tendulkar: Afridi

KARACHI - Pakistan ODI captain Shahid Afridi reckons that Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar would be the batsman to watch in next year’s World Cup in the Indian subcontinent.

“Sachin is an extra-ordinary player. His hunger for runs is growing by his age. He is playing since 20 years and it is his last World Cup. Naturally he wants to make it a memorable one,” the Daily Times quoted Afridi, as saying.

“All teams need to be extra cautious against him and we are no exception. We will draw a specific strategy for Sachin and some other Indian batsmen,” he added.

He also counted India as one of the strong contenders for the event, which will be held from February 19.

“I think India, Pakistan, Australia and Sri Lanka will be in the semifinals. India and Sri Lanka will face additional pressure as they will be playing on home turf,” Afridi said.

“India is continuously playing well since M.S. Dhoni has taken over. The confidence level of the team is amazing and I think it will be an exciting contest,” he added. (ANI)