ODI series win: Players delivered under pressure against Sri Lanka, says Azhar Ali

Pakistan ODI captain says team faced problems due to Muhammad Hafeez's bowling ban

LAHORE: Pakistan ODI captain, Azhar Ali, while talking to a press conference on Tuesday said that all the players gave their best in the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka to bag a 3-2 win in the Island.

“All the players played aggressively which made our victory in the ODI series possible,” said Azhar.

“The fielding and batting efforts have been exceptional throughout the series.”

Azhar credited his team for beating Sri Lanka in their home ground.

“It is not easy to beat Sri Lanka at home. Credit goes to every team player and the team management as well.”

Azhar also commented on Muhammad Hafeez’s bowling ban – who has been ousted from bowling for a year - and said that it caused a lot of stir in their strategy.

Read: Muhammad Hafeez slapped with one-year bowling ban by ICC

“We faced a lot of difficulties due to the ban imposed on Hafeez,” said Azhar.

“We couldn’t continue the winning momentum in the last match but we went in to play with an equally determined mind to win the match.”

Azhar further added that Pakistan is trying to make a settled combination.

“We want to always field the best combination available,” said Azhar.

“All of us are trying to make a settled combination. We have had a lot of injuries due to which we faced a lot of problem. Also, in a rebuilding phase we have the room to take chances with new players.”

Read: Pakistan move up to eighth in ODI rankings

When asked how he has been able to deliver consistent performance in his batting, Azhar replied: “As a player I have realised that cricket has changed a lot. You need to maintain your momentum. Even if wickets are falling, you have to keep the run rate going. I play according to the demand of the team and try not to complicate things.”

On the bowler’s performance, Azhar said that each of them was making a comeback and yet they delivered.

Read: Sri Lanka win final ODI, Pakistan take series

“Rahat Ali had only played one Test match after coming back from an injury. Muhammad Irfan was coming back from an injury as well. Anwar Ali hasn’t played much cricket. Even after that, they responded well under pressure. Yasir Shah performed exceptionally well in the ODIs even after being touted as a Test bowler only. Imad Wasim was a good addition to the team. He showed good temperament as a youngster. All these are good signs.”

Azhar added that Misbahul Haq and Shahid Afridi’s contributions can never be forgotten.