Senior batsman Misbah-ul-Haq has said that Shahid Afridi's leadership skills and co-operation among veteran players has played a crucial role in Pakistan reaching the World Cup semifinals.

Misbah was in the running for the World Cup captaincy before it was given to Shahid Afridi, while Younis Khan is another former skipper in the squad.

Misbah says one of Afridi's qualities is that he listens to the players, and that decisions are made with "good co-ordination."

The 36-year-old Misbah was also full of praise for Afridi's influence in leading Pakistan to Wednesday's World Cup semifinal against India.