Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi says he is proud of his side's efforts during the recent ICC World Twenty20 tournament.
Pakistan skipper hails players after Twenty20 disappointment
Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi says he is proud of his side's effort in reaching the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20.
A place in the final of the tournament seemed likely for the 2009 champions as they had Australia on the back foot after setting them a target of 192.
But a superb inning from Michael Hussey, including three sixes in the last over, ensured that the Aussies would progress through to the final, where they lost out to Ashes rivals England.
Despite the disappointment of falling short in the last four, Afridi said that the players deserved praise for their overall performance.
Proud
"I am proud of the team, which played as a unit," the 30-year-old said.
"I would request fans to support us because we have seen difficult times in cricket and only unity can help us.
He added: "We didn't do well in initial matches but were back in rhythm with our Super Eight win against South Africa and that's why the semi-final defeat hurt us.
"Had we won against Australia and lost the final it would have been acceptable.
"But I am satisfied with the overall performance of the team and whoever becomes captain the most important thing should be unity of the team and the support of the fans."
The all-rounder also defended his decision to use Saeed Ajmal in the last over, saying that the off-spinner successfully closed out a win against South Africa in their previous game in the Caribbean.
"I know a lot of people criticise the decision to bowl Ajmal in the last over, but I still maintain that he is a match-winner and bowled us to victory in the last over against South Africa a match earlier," Afridi added.
"I would request fans to accept this result and support the team because we are coming out of difficult times in our cricket."
