ICC World Twenty20: I had to lead by example, says Shahid Afridi

Afridi first scored 49 then took two wickets to help Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 55 runs.

New Delhi: After helping Pakistan to a convincing 55-run victory over Bangladesh in their first match of the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said that he "had to lead by example".

"Its a big event as captain, as senior player, I had to lead by example. I spoke to the coach and he said okay. I love to give chances to the rest of the batsmen, but sometimes," he said.

Afridi, 36, performed with both bat and ball at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. He first played a blinder of an innings, blasting 49 runs off 19 deliveries, which included four fours and four sixes, then come back to haunt the Bangladeshis with the ball.

The all-rounder also admitted that he wanted to perform in the tournament. In his four overs, the skipper took two wickets and conceded 27 runs.

"My performances play a key role, but I was hungry. I was keen to perform well for my country in this event," added Afridi.

He also hailed Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad. Hafeez was the top scorer of the match, with a 42-ball 64-run knock. Opener Shehzad also completed his fifty, scoring 52 runs off 39 deliveries.

"I think from the last two three series, the batsman struggled to find runs. First six overs was important and Hafeez and Shehzad did very well. That was what we missed in the batting, the partnerships.

Openers are very important, Shehzad and even Sharjeel (Khan) can be very attacking too, If he stays first six overs, the team will have 50-60. I expect them to perform well, as a captain," Afridi said.

Afridi then said that it's not easy leading a side, but a captain's job becomes easier when everyone gives 100 percent.

" don't want to talk about the past, we should learn from our mistakes and India have been playing good cricket, even with the last loss. Captaincy is not an easy job, but when the team gives you 100 percent, I enjoy it. People expect me to bat and ball as well and I enjoy both," he said.