MOHALI: Pakistani cricket team skipper Shahid Afridi on Wednesday apologized to the nation for losing the World Cup semi-final to the archrivals India, adding he was happy with the way his team played through the tournament.

Afridi also congratulated India for qualifying for World Cup final.

"I would like to congratulate the Indian team and the whole (Indian) nation for this victory. I wish them all the best for the final," Afridi said after the match.

"At the same time, I want to say sorry to my nation. We tried our level best but couldn't make it. I am pleased with the way my team played throughout the competition."

India got their innings off the ground brilliantly with a speedy start; however, Pak bowling attack pegged its total to 260 with rousing confidence to chase the target.

It was the lack of good partnerships coupled with some irresponsible shots played by the batsmen that led Pak team to a deplorable loss, regretted Afridi.

Commending the Indian display of cricket, Pakistani skipper said, "Wahab (Riaz) bowled quite well; but, batting was a great miss for Pakistani side. There were no partnerships at all and we played some irresponsible shots. Overall, India were better side today."

Pakistan took the batting power-play in the last five overs with the score at 200 for eight. Afridi defended the decision and said they wanted to take it after seeing off Harbhajan Singh's spell.

"We thought of taking it after Harbhajan finished his spell. The idea was to take the power-play towards to the end of the innings," he said. AGENCIES