series,” Shaheen said, referring to their recent victories against South Africa. He added that Pakistan had thrashed India ‘A’ in Qatar with an eight-wicket win, making him happy about the performance of the young players.
Shaheen further praised the bowling unit for setting up the victory and credited Mohammad Rizwan’s consistent batting. “Here as well, everyone chipped in across the three matches,” he stated, emphasizing that it was a collective effort by the team.
Senior Player’s Role
The captain highlighted the role of senior players like Rizwan and Babar Azam. “Having in-form senior players at the crease gives an altogether different outlook,” Shaheen said. He also mentioned that Rizwan had finished both matches, proving his value as a cornerstone player for Pakistan cricket.
Future Outlook
Pakistan will now look to build on this momentum by participating in the tri-nation T20 series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe starting from Tuesday. “We will give our best,” Shaheen said, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to continue performing well.
Coach’s Perspective
Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s head coach, expressed satisfaction with the national ODI outfit’s growth into a strong unit. He highlighted several positive aspects of the series sweep against Sri Lanka, including standout performances from young squad members and key players like Rizwan.
Hesson also noted that Babar Azam’s century drought had ended in the second ODI, which was significant for Pakistan cricket. “It’s important for Pakistan cricket when your main batter gets big runs,” Shaheen agreed, adding that Babar had been working hard to achieve this success.
Future Challenges and Aspirations
The coach believes these achievements will drive the team’s performance in future series. “These are only some of the achievements that add up to wins and what drives me in my coaching,” Hesson wrote on a social media platform, expressing optimism for Pakistan’s cricketing future.
As Pakistan prepares for the 2027 World Cup, their recent successes suggest they are building a strong foundation. With continued performance like this series against Sri Lanka, the team is well-positioned to challenge for more victories and honours in international cricket.
