Friday's warm-up is their first encounter since the spot-fixing scandal which led to lengthy bans for three Pakistan players.
Afridi said: "We need to focus on winning the game and not getting involved in anything extra between England and Pakistan."
The momentum is with Pakistan. Twin-centuries from Ahmed Shehzad and Misbah-ul-Haq against a jaded Bangladesh side has set the tone for the rest of the batsmen.
The likes of captain Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal and Younis Khan failed to make any impression, missing out on the opportunity to fine-tune their grey areas against a soft bowling attack.
Come Wednesday, Pakistan will find the job tougher against a world-class England assault.
The 1992 champions, though, are not reading too much into the brittle nature of their middle order. Afridi says he believes his batsmen will click in the nick of time. Younis Khan and Misbah may also be pushed up the order to give them ample time to settle into their groove.
The bowling appears to be in safe hands despite the decision to rest their trump card Shoaib Akhtar for the warm-ups.
Coach Waqar Younis says Pakistan will unleash Akhtar, who is susceptible to injuries, only when the tournament begins. Waqar, however, did drop a hint that Akhtar could play if he is match-fit.
Abdul Razzaq took three for 31 against Bangladesh and seems to be in great rhythm, as are spinners Mohammad Hafeez and Abdur Rehman, who grabbed two wickets apiece. In sub-continental condition, spinners might just prove handful.
Stuart Broad, whose took five wickets against Canada, knows they simply cannot afford to take their eyes off the ball at Fatullah.
Representing England's sentiment, Broad surmised, "England have never won the Cup and it's about time we did." He said it must start with the warm-up against Pakistan.
Interestingly, Kevin Pietersen will appear in his new avatar as an opener for the second time. An excited KP dispelled all doubts, saying he has not been earmarked as a pinch-hitter: "I will play my normal game. It's something you think about - it could be nice, especially in the sub-continent."
Plagued by injuries galore, England will miss ODI specialist Eoin Morgan, who is nursing an elbow injury. They have already been denied the services of Chris Tremlett by an ICC ruling which forbade the inclusion of a non-squad member.
Although James Anderson had a slight back strain in the opener, he is expected to be fit for Friday.
England creaked badly against Canada. It remains to be seen whether Strauss and company can hold their own against a mercurial Pakistan outfit.
courtesy: http://www.espnstar.com/cricket/icc-cricket-world-cup/news/detail/item582883/ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-warm-up:-Preview/
www.intopremierleague.blogspot.com, www.espnstar.com
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