SHARJAH Waqar Younis feels Shahid Afridi's superb performance in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka is a result of the renewed focus that the all-rounder has shown since coming out of a temporary retirement. The differences between Waqar, when he was coach of the national team, and Afridi, when he was captain of the one-day side, are well documented and continued even after both had exited the team. Just after Afridi was recalled to the national team for the one-day series in UAE, Waqar had advised the all-rounder to focus on cricket instead of criticising everyone and seeking cheap publicity in the media. Afridi silenced his critics with his brilliant all-round show which Waqar said was the result of his newfound focus on his performances. "He has always been an exceptionally talented player but has not done justice to his talent but in this series, he appears focused and wants to prove a point and that is why he is succeeding," Waqar said after the match. Waqar said Afridi had looked a match winner as a bowler throughout the series but his batting on Sunday was mature and exceptional. "He took his time to build his innings as there were plenty of overs to play and he played a great knock for Pakistan which needs more such innings from him," Waqar said. For the flamboyant Afridi, the Sri Lanka series has been a triumphant return for him to the team after a much publicised dispute with Waqar that led to him losing his captaincy after the West Indies tour in May and his decision to retire in protest. MOHSIN ALI