Moin, Jalaluddin heap praise on Sarfraz ahead of Zimbabwe ODIs

Pakistan will face African side in five-match ODI series, starting from July 13

KARACHI: Fresh from their victory in the T20I Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and Australia, Pakistan will face hosts Zimbabwe in the first of the five-match ODI series in Bulawayo on Friday.

The Men in Green — who are ranked fifth on the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI rankings — will be relatively confident heading into the series against 11^th-placed Zimbabwe under the leadership of captain Sarfraz Ahmed.

Moin impressed with Safraz’s captaincy

Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has said that Sarfraz has overcome the weaknesses in his captaincy and is leading the side in a fine manner.

“Sarfraz has been leading the team in a perfect way in all three formats but he faced some issues in Test cricket in the beginning but now he has overcome all the weak areas,” said Moin while talking to The Express Tribune.

Moin also praised the way Sarfraz has led his Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators while also stating that he should be the captain of the side till the end of his career.

“We have seen him in PSL and he has done the best job as a captain; if he continues his form I don’t think we will need a replacement of a captain in all three formats,” he said. “I believe he will retire as a captain in all formats.”

Moin was also hopeful that Pakistan will win the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe: “I am optimistic that they will also win the upcoming ODI series and keep improving in all the formats.”

Don’t play with T20 approach: Jalaluddin

Former Test cricketer Jalaluddin praised the efforts of the team and the captain for their recent performances in the T20I Tri-Series and believes that the side has the potential to win the ODI series as well.

He added that young batsmen such as the likes of Imamul Haq, Babar Azam and Haris Sohail are the perfectly suited for ODI cricket and should excel during the series.

“The players that are in the ODI team are reliable and have the potential to help the team win the matches,” Jalal said. “Imam is in the team who can stay on the crease and score runs, while Azam and Sohail are perfect ODI material and should be doing well.”

In the bowling department, Jalal was particularly looking forward to seeing Junaid Khan and Shadab Khan in action and expected the fast bowler to trouble the home side.

“Junaid has the ability to damage the top line of the opponent and in-form Shadab can do the same,” he added.

He further advised the players not to play this with the T20 approach.

“They should switch the modes from power-hitting to smart-hitting required for ODIs. They should be careful with how they pace their innings and when to hit, block and rotate the strike.”