Afridi - We have a plan

Afridi: making plans

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Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi says his side intend to "do something new" when they face World Cup holders Australia on Saturday.

Both sides head into the match with a chance to top Group A of the World Cup and face a relatively weaker team from Group B in the quarter-finals.

Pakistan currently have eight points from five matches and Australia nine from five. Depending on how the group pans out, Afridi's side could play arch-rivals India in the quarter-finals.

Afridi refused to be drawn on the possible permutations, though, preferring instead to concentrate on how Pakistan might end Australia's match-winning streak that stretches back to 1999.

"We have made some plans against them because they are very strong mentally and physically, so you will see in the game we will do something new against these guys," Afridi said on Friday.

"We know that this game is very important for us to end in a good position in the group. If we win, we will go into quarters with a win and a good, positive attitude, which is more important."

Pakistan were the last team to beat Australia in a World Cup match, winning by 10 runs when the two sides met in Leeds almost 12 years ago.

Professional

Afridi admitted that Pakistan's opponents on Saturday are a formidable outfit.

"They are very professional, they are a good batting and bowling side as well. They know how to bowl reverse swing, especially when Brett Lee comes back and Shaun Tait as well," he said.

"They know how to use these condition as well. But we know our strengths too, we know how to tackle and deal with these guys so we are well-prepared," added Afridi, the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 16.

Afridi said that Pakistan might bring in Umar Akmal, who has recovered from a finger injury which forced him to miss the team's last match against Zimbabwe, in place of Ahmed Shahzad.

Opener Shahzad has managed just 51 runs in five innings.

"We have a settled combination, but we can make one change. Umar is available for selection as he has recovered from injury," he said.

Afridi would not be drawn on whether Shoaib Akhtar, who announced on Thursday that he would retire from international cricket after the World Cup, would play.

Of the paceman's decision to call it a day, Afridi added: "I don't think it is bad timing. Maybe he could have decided after the World Cup but it's up to him.

"I think he took the right decision. He has set a good example because in Pakistan normally the selector kicks you out, you don't leave yourself."