Afridi sorry for cup exit

Skipper admits batsmen let Pakistan down in run chase

Captain Shahid Afridi apologised to Pakistan's cricket fans after his side suffered defeat in their semi-final against India at the World Cup.

Pakistan fell 30 runs short of clinching a place in Saturday's final against Sri Lanka in Mumbai after failing to chase down an Indian total of 260.

Afridi blamed his batsmen for failing to profit from a bowling performance that was highlighted by Wahab Riaz's career-best 5-46, but also blighted by dropped catches.

Sachin Tendulkar was dropped on four occasions in his game-high score of 85, but even then the co-hosts' total looked well within Pakistan's reach.

"He (Wahab) really bowled well, but we missed some opportunities - and in the end, they played better than us," Afridi said.

"We didn't build partnerships and played some irresponsible shots.

"Sorry to our nation. We tried our level best."

Afridi was notably gracious in defeat, after the high-profile contest in which partisan feelings inevitably ran high.

Proud

"I want to congratulate the Indian cricket team and all the Indian nation for this great victory and wish them well for the final," he told Sky Sports.

"We have played really well in this whole tournament, and the boys did a great job. I am very proud to be captain of these guys."

Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar have been selected as the on-field umpires for Saturday'sWorld Cup final.

Dar, who is standing in his third World Cup, will be participating in his second consecutive final, having overseen the 2007 final which was marred by a farcical situation regarding bad light.

It is also Taufel's third World Cup, but until now he has been unable to officiate in a final because Australia, his native land, have been in the final on every occasion he has been involved.

England's Ian Gould will handle the third umpire's duties, while Steve Davis of Australia has been selected as the fourth umpire.

New Zealand's Jeff Crowe will be the match referee for the clash.