Afridi hails morale booster for Pakistan

COLOMBO, Feb 27 (AFP): Jubilant skipper Shahid Afridi hailed Pakistan's impressive World Cup win over one-day powerhouse Sri Lanka as a huge boost for his team but demanded an improvement in fielding standards. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 11 runs Saturday before a capacity 35,000-crowd in Colombo, with Afridi starring with figures of 4-34 to slow the home team's run chase at R. Premadasa stadium. The win, after Pakistan scored 277 for seven, leaves them at the top of Group A after two victories, including their crushing opening win over Kenya, ahead of defending champions Australia. "It's a very big win for us," said Afridi. "Beating Sri Lanka before a capacity crowd, and a strong team which has been playing well." The skipper said the nature of the victory at the home of one of the top sides in one-day cricket, would help lift players for future games. "I think this will raise the morale of the players. It should, and that will help us prepare in a better way for the future games," said Afridi, whose team next faces minnows Canada on March 3, also in Colombo. Despite the win, Pakistan were poor in the field, with wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal spurning stumping chances and catches going to ground.