http://www.htcricket.com/htcricket/14_1563835.htm
Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar who finished with 17 wickets in the 2-0 Test series win over England said he wanted his performance to cheer the victims of the Oct. 8 earthquake.
“The devastation caused by the earthquake was in our minds when we started this series and we wanted to do something special for them. I wanted to do something to make them smile,” he said on Saturday.
Shoaib, 30, said the victory over England was special and he was happy that he could dedicate something memorable to the earthquake victims.
Over 80,000 people have been killed and some three million left homeless by the earthquake in northern areas of Pakistan.
Shoaib, who returned to the Pakistan side after a layoff of 10 months, said he was looking forward to the one-day series against England.
"The Tests are over now and I think the one-dayers will be a tougher prospect. But the way we have performed like a unit we are confident of carrying on our good form.
“I enjoyed this success against them as they batted very well in the Ashes. It is also special for me because I got the wickets on pitches which were good for batting.”
Shoaib took five for 71 on Saturday in Pakistan’s innings and 100 run win over England.
It was a remarkable comeback for the fast bowler who was recalled from Australia in January by the Pakistan board due to fitness problems.
He did not go on tours to India and West Indies and also faced a tough time playing for Worcestershire and the ICC World XI in the Super Series with questions being raised over his commitment.
“I like to see Pakistan win and I like it better if I can contribute. It has been a hard series but worthwhile given the results,” he added.
Shoaib who has now taken 161 test wickets said he had worked hard on developing his slower ball and it had paid dividends in the series.