Karachi, Feb 8, (PTI): Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has said that every player of his side contributed in their series-win in New Zealand and it gives him confidence of doing well in the forthcoming World Cup. 

Pakistan won a One-day series first time since 2008 after beating the Kiwis 3-2.

"What has given us confidence that we can do well in the World Cup is that nearly every player contributed towards our series win in New Zealand.

"You can never expect to win dependent on one or two players. Every player has to contribute in some way in a match," Afridi told media at the Karachi airport on Monday night after returning from New Zealand.

"We were doing well in patches in recent matches but were not able to win series but this time we managed to do that with proper combined performances. And don't forget New Zealand has been a very difficult side to beat at home in the past," he added.

Afridi said he was happy with the World Cup combination given to him and was confident of lifting the trophy. "We just need to continue doing our basics right and everyone pitching in throughout the competition. And with the nation praying for us we are now among the favorites this World Cup," he said.

The Pakistan skipper also made it clear that while the team could not ignore the recent happenings off the field but they are trying to focus just on cricket. "The team has become mentally tougher and is hungry for success."

The Pakistan squad is due to leave for Bangladesh on the night of February 10 and will attend a reception, hosted in their honour by the Prime Minister in Islamabad a day before.

Afridi also pointed out that his players were also looking forward to the World Cup because the pitches in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh would be very familiar.

"The pitches are going to be an advantage for the Asian teams including us so we are prepared," he said.