KARACHI, Sept 21: Former Test leg-spinner Abdul Qadir is of the view that consistency will be key to Pakistan’s success in the ICC World Twenty20.

“The team should show consistency in all areas of the game, batting, bowling and fielding,” he said on Friday. “You cannot afford the smallest mistake in this shorter form of cricket. And without consistency, Pakistan will not reach the top.”

Qadir said that Pakistan’s batsmen need to step forward and take responsibility while also suggesting a left-right handed combination of Nasir Jamshed and Mohammed Hafeez to open the innings.

“At the moment our strength is bowling. But at the same time we needed good show from the batsmen,” he said.

“I personally feel that after Hafeez and Nasir, Umar Akmal should be given a chance at number three followed by Kamran Akmal and Asad Shafiq.”

Qadir also dispelled the notion that Saeed Ajmal will be under a lot of pressure because of too much expectations.

“Saeed is enjoying his cricket at the moment and he knows his job well,” he said. “He is in his prime. It will be the opposition who will be under pressure, not him.”

Qadir also hoped that Pakistan’s star player Shahid Afridi regains his form while he is also sticking his guns with Abdul Razzaq for the tournament.

“Afridi is out of form,” he said. “But he gives Pakistan a multitude of options as he is a dangerous batsman, an intelligent bowler and an agile fielder.

“As far as Razzaq his concerned, his big-hitting abilities are out of question!”—APP