'Different ball game'

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed his optimism of turning the table on Bangladesh after a whitewash in the ODI series when his side take on the Tigers in the one-off T20 International at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur this evening.

The all-rounder was looking to bank on his side's experience and success as they have won 50 matches out of 85 and possess bowlers like Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul and the captain himself in this format, but he was not ready to dismiss Bangladesh since they were in good form.

"You don't think about the past. If you look at it at the present, Bangladesh are doing very well with their combination. We have to go hard at them tomorrow," said the Pakistan skipper while he was reflecting on their 7-0 win record against Bangladesh in format of the game.

Though Bangladesh were yet to find their feet in the newest format, Afridi was anticipating an exciting game against the Tigers. "Tomorrow will be a good game. I am not saying it will be one-sided. T20 is all about opportunities and if you get one, you can't miss it," he added.

However, Afridi reminded of Pakistan's strength in T20 cricket and said that what happened in the ODI series was past as he believed this to be better than the ODI side.

"It is a new format now. Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez and myself are all back. We have a very good combination in T20. I am very positive and confident that we will do well. I have to perform very well because my performance has always helped Pakistan. Nobody has to try too hard, if everyone performs well, it will help us win," warned the Pakistan skipper.

He was also not worried by Pakistan's poor showing in the ODI series. "This is not the era of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Inzamamul Haq. In 6-8 months, the more cricket they will play, the better they will become."