Younus bucks up Akhtar and Afridi

Pakistan captain Younus Khan has backed senior players Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi to fire in next month's ICC World Twenty20 Championship and said he was satisfied with the duo's performance in the just-concluded one-day series against Australia.

"People are criticising Shoaib's performance but the good thing is he is gradually returning to form and fitness and he took part in five of the six matches," Younus said.

With just three wickets in four ODIs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Akhtar continues to remain a target for critics and some former players.

Younus, though, said he was happy that Akhtar had tried and worked hard in the series and was hopeful he would deliver better performances in the T20 World Cup in England.

"He can be a handful in English conditions," the skipper said.

Younus also pointed out that Afridi had surprised everyone with his performances.

"I have told him he has so much talent that instead of scoring just 30 or 40 runs he should be converting them into centuries. He is an extraordinarily talented player."

He said Afridi had been one of the most committed players against Australia and during team meetings became emotional with the team not performing well.

"He still has a lot to give Pakistan cricket. There is no doubt that before the series they were the players whose places in the team were doubtful. But both these seniors have done well," he said.

Younus also dismissed reports of rift in the team.

"There is no such thing, the team is united and everyone tried very hard against Australia," he added.

Younus admitted that former captain Shoaib Malik was a bit down after losing the captaincy but he had made him realise his importance to the team.

"I am sad that some people are saying that since I was captain some players deliberately under-performed. This is all rubbish, everyone tried very hard and we will be a different team in the T20 World Cup," he said.

The Pakistan captain said he was unhappy that he could not spend enough time or focus on all-rounder Sohail Tanvir.

"He is a very talented player who had a tough time in the series. But he is our key performer and important for us in the T20 World Cup. I am sure he will regain his confidence soon," the senior batsman said.