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Islamabad, April 3(ANI): Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir feels the national cricket team deserves credit for reaching the last four stage of the ICC World Cup 2011.

“The boys did okay. They deserve credit for their performance. Reaching the semi finals is no joke and their efforts are commendable,” PakPassion.net quoted Amir, as saying.

Pakistan’s World Cup campaign had ended in a 29-run defeat at the hands of India in the semi final clash at Mohali on March 30.

“Mistakes were made in the semi final, but that’s what happens when pressure gets to you,” said

Amir, who has been banned for five years by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on spot-fixing charges, said it was unfair to criticise Shahid Afridi’s captaincy in the tournament since he had given good performances throughout the tournament.

“The crucial aspect about captaincy is to perform well yourself and Afridi did that with the ball. I think it’s unfair to criticise Afridi for his captaincy as he performed well throughout the World Cup,” he said.

“You can’t ask for much more from the captain, he couldn’t have gone out there and grabbed the bat off the top order and batted for them or grabbed the ball and bowled all 50 overs himself,” he added.

Amir also lauded Afridi, who took 21 wickets in the tournament, and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for their bowling attack in the mega event.

“Shahid Afridi bowled well throughout and the number of wickets he took in the tournament proves that he was on top of his game with the ball,” he said, adding, “Saeed Ajmal also bowled very well whenever he played.” (ANI)