After thrashing Zimbabwe in second ODI, Sarfraz hints at team changes

Pakistan captain wants to experiment after securing series win

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has hinted at team changes in the remaining matches of the ongoing five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe.

The Men in Green registered comfortable 201 and nine-wicket win against the home side in the first two games of the series.

While talking to the media after the match on Monday, the wicketkeeper-batsman revealed plans for the rest of the series.

“Yes there are plans of making changes in the playing eleven after sealing the series win,” said Sarfraz. “Our target was to win the series and once we will be able to achieve that, our focus will be on testing our bench strength.”

Talking about the team’s performance on the day, the 31-year-old went on to praise the impact of left-arm pacer Usman Khan Shinwari.

“Ever since his comeback from the back injury, Usman has delivered for the team on numerous occasions,” he said. “This is not the first time when he destroyed opposition’s batting unit, as he did the same on a flat track in Sharjah against Sri Lanka, and he is improving day by day.”

Sarfraz also hailed team’s batting performance in a relatively easier chase. “Our openers did a great job in chasing a small total,” said Sarfraz. “Both Imamul Haq and Babar Azam helped Fakhar Zaman immensely, which is a good sign. There is still some work needs to be done in the fielding department, but we are very pleased with the team’s overall performance.”

Zaman credits hard work for recent good form

In-form Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has said nothing is impossible to achieve as long as you give 100% to the cause.

Zaman was named player of the match in the second ODI of the five-match series against Zimbabwe on Monday.

The left-hander scored a blistering 117 not out off just 129 balls with the help of 16 fours for the Men in Green in an emphatic nine-wicket win over the hosts in Bulawayo.

While talking to the media afterwards, Zaman revealed his satisfaction at his performance in the team’s triumph.

“I am in good form, but I believe the real reason behind my success is the effort I am putting in,” said Zaman. “Once you put in all the effort that you can, then results are there for everyone to see. My plan was always to stay at the crease and take my team home. I was successful in doing that and am extremely pleased about it. I think Imam [ul Haq] was extremely unlucky as he got run out at the wrong time.”