Afridi expects Pakistan to ‘enjoy’ encounter with India

Akhtar, who has announced he will retire after his side’s ongoing World Cup campaign, has been widely tipped to spearhead Pakistan’s attack at Mohali.

The 35-year-old has played only three games in the tournament so far, taking three wickets at an average over 40, and has not featured since the group-stage loss to New Zealand.

Afridi said: “Shoaib is not 100 per cent. He is trying his level best to play and we will decide on him (last night).”

When asked about his side’s preparations for the match, the all-rounder said: “This game is very important for both the sides. We have prepared well for this game and we are confident.”

The 31-year-old, who is the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 21 at 10.71, added: “We are not the favourites for this competition. India are the favourites and we have played above expectations.

“We are enjoying our cricket. If you know how to handle it, there is no need to panic. I think we will enjoy playing here.”

Pakistan beat the West Indies in their quarter-final, while India saw off a weakened Australia to set up a semi-final which continues one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has ordered his players to ignore the hype. The pressure on the tournament co-hosts to see off their greatest rivals is immense but Dhoni is determined not to let it derail his preparations.

He said: “We know the kind of media hype India-Pakistan matches generate. We need to know what we are expected to do and focus on that. All this is part of cricket and we have to accept it. But the key is not to get involved.”

Ricky Ponting yesterday brought down the curtain on his spell as Australia captain. Ponting, who intends to carry on as a player under his successor, bows out having won 48 of 77 Tests in charge. He also led his country to two World Cup titles.

His critics point to his record as the only Australia captain to suffer three Ashes defeats. Ponting, 36, who has backed Michael Clarke to take on the leadership role in the wake of his departure, said: “I’d like to think that through my playing time I’ve achieved a whole lot more than that. It’s funny how we talk about losing the Ashes three times.

“Playing in three World Cup-winning teams never comes up very often, winning 16 consecutive Test matches doesn’t come up very often, winning 30-odd consecutive World Cup games doesn’t come up very often, but that’s the world we live in.”